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CHIB67
70
Jun 19, 2018
WARNING: PURCHASING THROUGH MASSDROP MAY VOID THE MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY IF MASSDROP IS NOT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. MY FIVE YEAR ALL PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY THAT CAME WITH MY YAMAHA HS8 MONITORS is NULL and VOID because I purchased it through MASSDROP. The $50.00 you save will be eaten up by potential repair costs out of pocket.
Before you purchase these through Massdrop please check with DYNAUDIO to find out if they will honor the manufacturer warranty if they are purchased through MASSDROP. I purchased a set of YAMAHA HS8 Near Field Monitors through Massdrop and after about a year of use in my studio (I am an audio professional) one of the monitors power supply started failing. YAMAHA asked for proof of purchase for warranty and when I said "MASSDROP" they had no record of them being an authorized dealer. That being said they said they would activate the 5 year warranty if MASSDROP would simply provide the name of the US AUTHORIZED DEALER they negotiated the purchase with.
Simple Solution, RIGHT? WRONG. MASSDROP stated that "because of an agreement with our vendor we cannot disclose their information". They are "arranging" for a replacement which is very kind of them. HOWEVER I now own two brand new factory warrantied speakers with NO WARRANTY.
I have been a loyal and enthusiastic referral member for MASSDROP. I was very disappointed to learn this about a company I have purchased many great products from . I still will purchase small accessory items from them. BUT IF YOU ARE AN AUDIOFILE or AUDIO /VISUAL PROFESSIONAL I would strongly caution purchasing anything that is high dollar or has a manufacturer warranty. (This includes Amps THIS IS A THIRD PARTY RESELLER. YOUR AUTOMATIC MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY is VOID when you purchase through MASSDROP.
I will state for the record I still purchase small items and accessories or items that have no warranty but I will NEVER purchase anything significant through MASSDROP. It's not wise.
vanclute
0
Jun 19, 2018
CHIB67Quite the cautionary tale. Thanks for sharing.
CHIB67
70
Jun 19, 2018
vancluteYeah I was really bummed to learn this because I've been a HUGE Massdrop advocate. But it's true, unfortunately. If it's a small item or not something that could need warranty repair you're fine. But from now on all professional gear I buy new will not come from this site.
vanclute
0
Jun 19, 2018
CHIB67It's odd too because Massdrop makes such a point about how they negotiate drops directly with manufacturers. That would make me think there is no "authorized dealer" involved, just a direct deal between MD and the manufacturer themselves. Maybe that's only true for special "Massdrop exclusives" or something? Like I got in on the Sennheiser HD6xx headphones and they made a really big deal about how they are specially made by Senn with custom paintjob, logo, etc. So there can't possibly be some other dealer involved. Sounds like maybe there's some fine print somewhere people need to be very aware of...?
vancluteIf the manufacturer covers the warranty it is listed on the drop page, other items are subject to a 1 year massdrop warranty. This is not at all a Massdrop related issue, this is how warranties are handled in the audio industry. Buying from a non-authorized seller is called "Grey Market" and means you buy without the manufacturers backing. Most grey market sellers don't even offer a warranty so that's a bonus on the Massdrop front. Massdrop does not get all it's drops from the manufacturer, not sure where you got that idea from. I don't have much pity for people who make large purchases without doing their due diligence on the research front. 99.9% of all audio manufacturers have the authorized sellers listed on their website, these are your friend when making large purchases.
amb3cog
90
Jun 19, 2018
ElectronicVicesTrue. Not to mention. If you buy all your stuff here, used, or at other grey market dealers. You'll save enough to pay for any problems yourself. It's not like audio reproduction gear has a high rate of failure. But me personally. I would want the 5 year warranty on a powered speaker, especially if it's being used in a studio, for many obvious reasons. I buy almost all my stuff this way. With some exceptions. Like my phone which I need for work. And laptops, or flat panel TV's which do seem to have a high rate of failure. So if it's not critical, or known to fail. Buy it at the cheapest place. But if it's for business, or something that has a high failure rate. Buy at an authorized dealer only. Simple. But either way. I never hit the buy it now button without fully researching every aspect, and knowing the terms of what I'm agreeing to. In the occasions where I screw up, and don't do my due diligence properly. I accept that it's my fault, and move on.
Remember folks. Although we're now more Caveat Venditor.
This still applies in many cases: Caveat emptor, quia ignorare non debuit quod jus alienum emit ("Let a purchaser beware, for he ought not to be ignorant of the nature of the property which he is buying from another party.")
https://consumer.findlaw.com/consumer-transactions/what-does-caveat-emptor-mean-.html
CHIB67
70
Jun 20, 2018
ElectronicVicesHow can you research data that is not provided? If Massdrop negotiates a direct deal they Brand the item. If they are offering a deal that for new manufacturer warrantied product that will be rendered VOID they should state that. again you can't research what doesn't exist and on this case the information was not disclosed. As an "Audio Professional" you should always have duplicates of anything critical. Which I do. I'm just frustrated that a factory sealed new item is warranty voided.
DynaudioUSA
5
Jun 20, 2018
CHIB67I can tell you that these speakers are not authorized by Dynaudio to be sold at Massdrop. We are currently investigating who is selling them on this platform. Again these products are NOT sold be approval from the manufacturer.
CHIB67
70
Jun 20, 2018
amb3cogFROM DYNAUDIO I can tell you that these speakers are not authorized by Dynaudio to be sold at Massdrop. We are currently investigating who is selling them on this platform. Again these products are NOT sold be approval from the manufacturer.
Gee... Hard to be ignorant when the data isn't available. Based on your logic, you should carry an umbrella with you everywhere you go regardless of the weather and the forecast. Because gee - how can you research the weather if there's no forecast disclosing it? Kinda hard isn't it. And Massdrop BTW is providing me a replacement. But again I've got a replacement that is unwarrantable. So yeah I agree with you that I won't be purchasing anything I make money with but I feel since they create this forum I owe it to my fellow "audiofiles" to share my experience so that others won't make the mistakes I've made. And no the price on the Yamaha's was adequate but not to the point where I'd opt to pass on a 5 year warranty. Ironically - it's the power supply that's failing. And it causes a low hiss and crackle so it doesn't affect playback - it affects quality. And as you can see from DynAudio - they are offering products that even the manufacturer won't authorize. That's a little darker than "Grey". I was in IT Consulting - selling million dollar plus networks. I'm well aware what "Grey Market" it. It's typically used, refurbished, resold. On Ebay you take your chances. So buy one on Ebay to make sure it fits that application and then by a spare through a reputable audio dealer. End of Story.
amb3cog
90
Jun 20, 2018
CHIB67So let me get this straight. Since you've gotten caught in this bind you've created yourself. You've finally done the research you should have done BEFOREHAND, and found out that Massdrop is not an authorized reseller. And that they only offer a 1 year warranty. Am I correct so far?
And if you need a warranty, but can't find any info on it from a seller. You can just pass on buying it from them right? That is an option right? Or are you somehow forced to buy questionable goods through a new law I've never heard of, or some other (childish) craziness?
And none of this could have been done BEFORE THE FACT for some unknown reason? I mean I get it. It's definitely impossible to due this, UNTIL YOU'RE SCREWED OVER, and it's TOO LATE! I mean there's no way you could have sent emails asking questions beforehand. Because they only reply after the fact right? Yea that's the ticket!
Because I'm not even remotely understanding why you're being all defensive, and spitting your frustration my way. I simply pointed out how you've failed yourself. Sorry to hurt your feelings by pointing out FACTS, and all! You big baby!
Here let me help you understand how this works. You DID NOT do your due diligence, and check out the warranty on what you were buying beforehand. And now that it's come back to kick you in the proverbial behind. You're angry. And instead of blaming the person responsible. Which is YOU!!!
You feel it's somehow better to take ZERO PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for your own actions, and to blame others for your failure to research your purchase BEFORE you bought it. As if that will somehow make your situation different in some way. Now that it's TOO LATE!
Grow up dude!!! And if you want to spit your anger at the party responsible for your problems right now. There's a mirror in most bathrooms. Use one!
And let's get one more thing straight. Something I didn't want to explicitly point out, because I was trying to be kind by only jibing you a little bit earlier. And wasn't really trying to rub it in, like I am now. Because you've decided to take your frustrations out on the wrong person.
You are not trying to help out your fellow audiophiles here. You're just whining like a little girl. I don't need your help, and neither does any other mature person. If I needed a warranty. I would be damn sure I'm getting one, BEFORE I hit the buy it now button. Without some clown, who can't even handle his own affairs properly, reminding me to do so!!!
Jackpine
16
Jun 20, 2018
amb3cogYou're the only person getting angry and rude here.
CHIB67You go to the manufacturers website, click the "authorized sellers" link... look for the site/store you are looking to buy from... end of research on the warranty front.
https://www.dynaudio.com/find-dealer
CHIB67
70
Jun 20, 2018
amb3cogBuddy - you need to re-read what you've read. And re-read my post. Nowhere did I say I wasn't at fault. I was merely pointing out that if a site that promotes factory new professional grade audio gear doesn't indicate that the equipment will not quality for the manufactures warranty It should state that clearly in the terms and conditions. I read all the terms and conditions before I became a Massdrop user. The language is very vague. And it doesn't state specifically that "By purchasing through this forum you are aware that:
1. Based on where the product is sourced there may be items that will not entitle you to the manufactures warranty. Please check with the manufacturer before purchasing this item" That's a simple and informative language that is nowhere to be found.
2. Unfortunately you've become the petty fellow in this situation. I never say anything to anyone on a forum that I would no confidently say to their face.
On any forum I post who I am and I also include a photo. If you want to call me names and insult my intelligence I live in Chicago IL. If you like you can look me up or I'll gladly provide you my address. I'm curious to know if you would have the courage to spew the petty insults you have to my face in my presence rather than patter on with your passive aggressiveness in a gear forum. My bet is the latter. As is with most passive aggressive individuals. So "amb3cog"
Respectfully, bryancarmody (my real name)
CHIB67
70
Jun 20, 2018
ElectronicVicesYou are correct ElectronicVices. I made an assumption that I should not have made. I appreciate your re-affirming the basics. I made the assumption that Massdrop functioned much like Amazon - and nowhere in their terms and conditions was there a caveat that the warranty registration card that comes inside the factory new package can only be used for a bookmark. Point well taken sir.
CHIB67
70
Jun 20, 2018
amb3cogOne more thing. I read my response to you again and perhaps you are taking my "analogy" about taking an umbrella with you everywhere you go as a personal insult to you. It is not - it's an ANALOGY (under A in the dictionary or easily googled as my spelling and use of the term is correct. nowhere did I personally take my frustrations out on you. Just wanted to double check in case I indeed was the one being petty rude and rather immature. I can say with confidence that indeed I am not.
CHIB67
70
Jun 20, 2018
JackpineThanks Jack. I have to agree. Thanks for chiming in on that. Hopefully "amb3cog" has a change of heart. but I doubt it.
CHIB67Be careful with Amazon as well... if Amazon is an authorized seller it has be SOLD by them, not just shipped by them. I will pay a tad more to Amazon directly vs. a 3rd party with prime shipping to ensure I get the warranty coverage I am looking for.
CHIB67
70
Jun 20, 2018
ElectronicVicesYeah I hear you there. Honestly I purchase most of my gear directly from Sweetwater or B&H. Massdrop has been a great site for interesting little sundries and pocket knives and the like. This was the first time I tried them for something rather significant and since they didn't state specifically I'd be SOL on the warranty I assumed since it was not "Massdrop Made" that it would be a legit factory new set that would be warrantable. Live and Learn. If you aren't learning anything there aint no point in Living.
I don't usually spend ANY times on group forums because most of them are full of guys like our friend "amb3cog" but when I learned that there is no culpability through omission which is the case on Massdrops Terms and Conditions for these bigger buys and because Yamaha is pretty willing to make someone and authorized reseller I assumed. And to Massdrops credit they are willing to replace the unit - but I'm still going to have to buy another set. Through Sweetwater this time. I did 25K in business with them last year so they pretty much match anything I bring up. To me I'd rather spend more and get the warranty then deal with this bullshit. As you know as an audio engineer time is money, man. Thanks for the sentient and straightforward dope on the whole procurement chain. You've been right on for every point. BC
CHIB67Sweetwater and B&H are both good sellers, Audio Advisor can be added to that as well. I used to recommend Vann's and OneCall but they've really fallen off over the years and I don't know if they have maintained their authorized seller status. Dynaudio is part of the audio enthusiast establishment, primarily using their dealer network and protecting that network. In fact the only website they list as authorized (stateside) is Crutchfield.
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