Absolutely disgusting experiences at Spearit Sound. Horrible. Miserable. Please avoid Spearit Sound for your own good.
In 2001, I purchased an (allegedly) brand-new, non-defective amplifier from Spearit Sound, Richard Moulding (Dick Moulding) in particular. The MSRP was $3,000 according to the dealer. According to the manufacturer, it was $3,300.
From the get-go there were issues with the two-channel audio amplifier. Some of these issues included but were not limited to the fuses repeatedly popping and the unit overheating. I complained but it fell on deaf ears at first. Eventually somebody in-house at Spearit Sound attempted to resolve the fuse issue but failed.
Years later, in 2009, the manufacturer was forced to issue a recall through the Consumer Product Safety Commission due to ""50 reports of the amplifiers overheating including reports of smoke and electrical fire"". In exchange for fuse replacement, I would receive $100 and the correct fuses.
I did not agree with these terms. So, I filed a BBB complaint against the manufacturer but the manufacturer failed to reply. I filed a BBB complaint against Spearit Sound, Dick Moulding in particular, but I have not yet received my refund.
In all, I am stuck with a defective amplifier with heat related damages. Spearit Sound has offered to assist me in bringing back the unit to normal operations. But this may be costly, not to mention all the shipping costs and time. Spearit Sound's reply did not indicate whether I would have to pay for repairs.
ALL I SIMPLY WANT IS A REFUND. FOR $2,600 That's all. At that point I will return the amplifier back to the dealer by FedEx with signature confirmation and insurance for the retail price of $3,000 and the dealer can keep it and repair it. I want nothing to do with this amplifier or SPEARIT SOUND.
I used to be a repeat customer. I spent a good amount of money there, that is, in the thousands. But because of this issue and others, I take my business elsewhere. And I encourage you to do the same. On the Internet, you will get better products at better prices elsewhere and with better service. No kidding. Do some research before shopping here. Do not feel obligated to order through them just because they're local. Watch out!
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For the sake of transparency, I would have wanted to upload a copy of our exchanges from the BBB interface. But unfortunately, since there is a character limit, I will not be able to do so.
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Oh, and another bizarre aspect of this story is the fact that Richard Moulding claims he cannot find a copy of the sales order even though I have the original shipping box with his full name and address on it: RICHARD MOULDING, SPEARIT SOUND, 351 PLEASANT STREET, NORTHAMPTON, MA 01060. PHONE: 413-584-9547.
I recall his telling me that he came across an opportunity to purchase several of these amplifiers at or below dealer prices. Or he had received them as an award from the manufacturer and was going to offer me somewhat of a discount, that is, as if I were a dealer. He claimed that the manufacturer forbade him to sell these units in particular or any unit at or below a certain price but he was going to anyone because he wanted to get the ones which he had purchased for himself off his hands. (Oh, how nice. ;-)). I don't believe his claims that he did not have insider knowledge of problems with these units. My wife warned me that it was too good to be true.
It's funny how space heaters are returned all the time without any hassle. No matter how many years after they have been recalled! But I am being given such a hassle regarding this so-called luxury audiophile amplifier. Outrageous!
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