Problem with Esoteric service

OK, SUCCESS! I spoke with Ted at Esoteric in California. The toll free number is in New Jersey. (where Brian apparently resides). Ted is a tech who gave me the scoop. Not as bad as I feared though this unit may need to go back to the dealer depending on what he agrees to. Because this unit is a UX3SE, Ted said it may need to go back to Japan as there is a jig for setting the laser only in Japan. Maybe not though. He is checking with Japan. Best case scenario is $300.00 to $400.00 or upwards of $800.00 IF it can be repaired here. I'll post the results as they become available. Joe

Personally, I would return it to the seller if possible.  I wouldn't accept an item that does not function properly and will cost hundreds to fix.  That is total BS.  

I certainly understand your thinking chayro. I do have PayPal protection as well as EBay. Actually, I bought a pair of Snell Type B speakers from the same guy two years ago. I drove 2 + hours to get there plus $80.00 in tolls. When I got the Snells home and further scrutinized them, I realized that the four midrange drivers were delaminated. I called the highendauction guy with the problem. He acted surprised and said that they sounded great at his shop. He did give me the option of returning them as he said he had no idea of where to get replacement drivers. I found them online out of Australia for $240.00 I think. I had paid $650.00 for the speakers (I bid $1800.00 but had no competition). So, I had $900.00 into a set of speakers that in my opinion are worth 10 times that price. I'm happy. (They are in MINT condition!) IF I have to put out $200.00 to $300.00 to get an Esoteric with a new lens, factory calibrated, I would be into around $2600.00 total. Highendaudioauctions is guilty of not verifying his equipment, for sure. I can think of several other times when I wound up getting a good deal because of situations like this. They can be a headache though. Joe

Hang in there -Joe.
it is imperative to post positive & negative experiences when dealing w/ these companies. Especially, when attempting to deal w/ a manufacturer like Esoteric. Their players are excellent and not inexpensive. Make certain you mark whom you talk to, date and time, for your records. 

Same goes for dealers/retailers to keep those guys in "check".
Keep me posted.

OK, Wow! Serious issue with this player. I spoke to the service arm of Esoteric. (It bothers me a bit that such a high end company contracts out their repair work). The Japanese gentleman at the service center said that if the UX model needs a new laser installed, it would cost $80.00 for the part and $240.00 for the service. I was feeling OK about UNTIL he said that ALL UX model must go back to Japan for this service! AND only the service center can handle the transaction. $2000.00 for the trip there and back. This sounds NUTS!!! I did return the player to highendaudioauctions. He reported to EBay that the player worked perfectly for them. He told EBay that I reported that it would not play any CD's. Not so. Anyway, beware of the UX models. Does anyone know if other repair centers could do the job of a laser assembly? According to TAP Electronics, Japan has an alignment jig that is necessary to do the job right. Hopefully, there is a domestic answer to this nightmare.