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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
jay2
6 posts
 

Stop listening to opinions.. Go to the manufacture.  Example...

In respect of purchases of the above-named products, Data Conversion Systems Ltd (“dCS Audio”) provides a 3-year limited warranty for the above-named products against defects in materials and workmanship when purchased from a dCS Audio-authorised dealer (“Dealer”). If the product is purchased and registered with dCS within 6 months of the date it was originally shipped from dCS, we will start the warranty on the purchase date. For units registered later than 6 months from the ship date, we will start the warranty from the ship date unless the registration is supported by the original sales invoice. The 3-year warranty period will start no later than 6 months after the ship date from dCS.

kbmr
25 posts
 

Red Flags all over the place. It seems you're uncomfortable with the way the whole thing transpired.

Plenty of good DACs at all price points. If you can return it, do it. And check out any and all issues that are important to you before your next purchase.

hartf36's avatar
hartf36
231 posts
 

Three words:  "bait and switch".

Not upstanding, not good business, not ethical.  Quite the opposite.  I echo those who say to return the item on principle alone.  For me personally, this type of situation falls under the "self respect" category.  

I don't allow anyone to treat me this way at any time for any reason, no matter how much I might like or desire a certain product or service. 

Regardless, I hope your situation turns out the way you want it to, whatever that may be.

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