Sending a 110 lb amp to the manufacturer for cleaning/calibration. Good idea? How to ship?


Hi All,

So I reached out to Simaudio as my amp (Simaudio Moon Titan HT200 5 channel) is getting a bit long in the tooth. It performs truly flawlessly and is just beautiful and barely even gets warm after running all day long. I was just more curious than anything about lifespan, etc. Simaudio replied right away. They said all the units they'd manufactured since 2001 are still "active". However they did recommend sending it to them (if I could be without it for a few weeks) for "cleaning and calibration".  

Couple of things, I can't even go 1 day without this unit. But beyond that just the thought of packing this thing up and shipping literally makes me cringe. I'd certainly pay extra if there was some way to avoid UPS/FedEx or any other means like that. Any recommendations and have any of you ever done something like this?

Would appreciate any advice. Thanks all in advance...
kingbr
For shipping a heavy amp, I'd look to see if I could find a properly sized  Pelican or SKB hard case with handles and "luggage wheels" and no foam. Encase your amp with an inch or more of rigid foam board, fit it nice and tight. Hard polypropylene case, tight fit. 

Making your package easier to handle with sturdy handles and wheels go a long way toward getting your amp to it's destination safely.  I've shipped 90-100 lb amps any number of times in country and Canada & have never had an issue
I use a "white glove" service that's picked up and delivered expensive/delicate/irreplaceable gear (mostly musical instruments and art) all over the country with nary a second's worry or a minute's lost sleep.  I wouldn't do it any other way.  PM me for particulars and contact information.
Yep, + 1 MC on this one. And if you don't have the original crate and packing material it might be a good idea to get a reasonable facsimile from the OEM just to have it on hand.
As others have said, if it ain’t broke... the cost and brain damage to ship an amp of that size for “cleaning” just isn’t worth it IMO. And, to the above, a “white glove” service will probably cost nearly what the amp is worth. One thing to consider is a local Sim dealer, if you have one, and see who they have/recommend for repairs and service.