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Getting what I paid for - gut check please!

All - I purchased an expensive (for me) DAC a few weeks ago from a small but well known high-end manufacturer close to where I live.  It was a previous-generation model made available at a price significantly lower than the current generation model.  I paid for the item in full prior to pick up.  Upon pick up, I discovered the item’s faceplate and remote were a different color than what the manufacturer had indicated prior to purchase.  Upon getting it home, I learned by reading the materials that the warranty period had started at the date of manufacturer, not the date of sale, meaning the warranty period was about one-third the length it would normally be.

The manufacturer is offering to replace the faceplate with the correct color for a fee.  He says the warranty "is what it is."

Is any of this standard practice?  This was not advertised as a used or demo unit when I agreed to purchase it, and there was no mention of a different warranty period than what would accompany a normal retail sale.  Was I wrong to expect that a previous-generation model would be sold with the same warranty as a current-generation unit?  Am I wrong to expect that the manufacturer replace the faceplate free of charge to make this unit the color that I agreed to prior to sale?

I’d appreciate a gut check before I press the issue or ask for a return.  Thanks!

lousyreeds1
robeffy's avatar
robeffy
84 posts
 

I don't know who the manufacturer is, its not important, but would be nice to know.

Regarding your issues, I would return it. You will never be happy with it, even if it performs as well as you hope.

Warranty does not start at date of manufacture. Warranty starts when sold, for the first time. Dealers who use a piece of gear for demo purpose effectively start the warranty, unless they have a special relationship with the mfr/distributor.  I am sure some storefronts use gear as demo, and then sell it with full warranty.

As far as the bait and switch on the faceplate.. definitely an operation I would avoid. I wonder about how good their warranty is?

Its a shame, buying new gear should give you a good feeling, not this.

Post removed 
secretguy
1,986 posts
 

The warranty issue is BS. I'd return it. And yes, the Company should be named.

kofibaffour
717 posts
 

return and run away from said manufacturer

devinplombier
1,672 posts
 

Forget about purchase date in California - since 2023, consumer warranties there can no longer start before delivery date.

https://www.beneschlaw.com/insight/in-california-written-consumer-warranties-can-no-longer-commence-before-delivery/

@lousyreeds1 

Your story to the effect that - if I read correctly - this manufacturer starts all their warranty periods at the date of manufacture is nonsense. In addition, it would probably be unlawful for a warranty period to run even before transfer of ownership to a consumer has taken place.

But it’s all good, no worries. You posted a post, you got replies, that gave you the gumption to go back to that manufacturer who shall remain shrouded in secrecy and ask for what you should have asked for in the first place. Glad you found a way to resolve your issue that worked for you! Audiogon works in mysterious ways! Besides, it’s a lot cheaper than therapy.

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