Trigger

I have been having Dts drops with my Sony STR-DB1070 since I bought it. I had a 5 year warranty and finally brought it in for repair. They've had it for over a month and decided ultimately that they can't fix it and they're gonna replace it with a new one. An STR DA1000ES - the lowest end ES line. The one I had was an inbetween model that had great reviews and such. It was also 800 bucks I think when I bought it, but the one they are replacing it with is going for half that. Plus, it's silver and won't match anything else I've got. So what should I do? Take it? Ask for something else? Also - they said my warranty is over since it's a new unit.

cseyer

Sounds like they are doing their best to offer a fair compromise. If you dont like the offer you can certainly ask for something else, however the ES line from Sony seems like a nice upgrade from a non ES receiver. Current prices dont really mean much, my 3000ES cost $1000 new and I see deals this week selling it for $499. Thats just the way it goes. Sony's warranty offers to fix or replace the product at their discretion and I think they have offered you not only a comparable product but perhaps a slight upgrade so they have met their obligation. You should have the remainder of your original 5 year warranty on the new receiver just no additional warranty period.

Deftones

Fair compromise? I'd scream and bitch that they compensate you for the full value of what you paid.

If you paid $800 for it and had a warranty to cover $800 you should get an $800 receiver.

svadas

Well I see that unit for sale on videogon used asking $400. http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.p...122&class&3&4& Says new retail was only $699 not $800. You are likely getting a better receiver than you had before, I am not sure what you want them to do for you. Warranty is to fix or replace, not to allow your purchase to hold it's retail value for the life of the warranty. Who was your warranty through? I would contact them if you are unhappy with their decision, but in all honesty it sounds like they are being more than generous.

Brian Shannon

An ES product is far better than the non ES one. Unless it does not have all the connections or functionality that you need I would be happy if I were you.

Sdallnct

Seems very fair to me as well.

Kind of like buying a $1,500 computer 6 or 7 years ago. You can get a better on for half the money, be happy! Remember your receiver would also be worth a LOT less not (even if it were not broken).

DVD Josh

That's not how warranties work. They only have to give you something similar, value has nothing to do with it.

DVD Polizei

You're pretty much at the mercy of these extended warranties. If you read them, they will say they have the choice to replace it with a comparibly-featured product, and such and such.

Of course, if you can prove it's not as featured as your original one, and the specs are less, then yeah fight it.

Deftones

Relax, guy. I was only posting that for the benefit of Trigger.

I know how warranties work, as I used to work at BB and I've had a couple items in on service.

Trigger

The warranty is through Ultimate Electronics... they are telling me that the warranty is null and void now that the unit is being replaced. The unit I originally bought was fairly unique - it was supposed to be ES quality with features and versatility of the DE line. I was guessing at 800, I couldn't remember the price - just that it was pricey compared to my previous receivers.

The thing that bothers me most is the color being different from the rest of my components and the poor reviews of the 1000ES. Should I ask for a Denon or something else instead? I have a Sony tv, DVD changer and tape deck... kinda wanted to stick with Sony for no good reason, but it's not required.

Deftones

I'd at least ask if they'll let you swap to something of equivalent value of what they are giving you.

Good thing it broke now and not in a year or so when all the Ultimate Stores are shut down.

Trigger

Yeah - I noticed alot of the locations getting shut down - are they going out of business?

Spiky

They filed for bankruptcy protection. Most of their stores out of the home areas are going away. Here in Minneapolis (home of Audio King) they have closed only a couple stores and the others will stay open. Not really sure what all is happening around the country. I think they are keeping most open around Ultimate's home in California. (is that the right place?)

B.A.

I believe Ultimate is based in Denver. They closed half of their stores around here, but left open the one ten minutes from my house.

Trigger

So - which brand/model should I request an exchange for instead of the 1000ES? Any suggestions at all?

Mordred

IMO, a 1000ES is not substantially different from a top of the line DB. It's not until you jump up to the 3000ES line that you start to see the build quality and parts the ES line is known for show up.

As for the OP go to this forum and ask your question. They'll be able to recommend something good and equitable. As it's a Sony only forum they are EXTREMELY knowledgable about all their products.

Brian Shannon

I do not know if this is true or not since I have never seen the actual parts that go into these receivers. I do know that all ES products carry a 5 year warranty. That alone makes it better than any entry level Sony product.

Mordred

That is very true. My knowledge is a tad fuzzy but it's my recollection that a 1000ES was basically comparable to a DE925 or whatever the highest DE line was 2 years ago but with a better warranty and nicer (?) styling. I do know for 100% fact that the vaunted completely digital ES receiver line begins at the 3000ES. The 1000ES is analog. I'm not sure what the sound quality was like. For the record I own a DA4ES.

Trigger

A friend of mine told me the 1000es doesn't do phono, but that the 3000es does... if this is true, it'll help my argument. Anyone know?

Spiky

According to the Crutchfield site, it has no native phono-capable input. You would need a phono preamp. Did your old one have preouts for all channels? I was kinda surprised to see only a sub out on an ES model, but I guess it is the lowest one.

Crutchfield is usually excellent for high quality photos. Photos say a lot.

Trigger

Thanks for the advice...

I was at UE yesterday - the manager said he couldn't authorize a swap and I'd have to call the warranty number (which won't be open till monday). They lost my TV remote, and they tried to give me the 1000es. I refused it. While I was there, I looked at the front and back of the 3000es and the 1000es. It looked like they both had phono inputs.

1000es - phono is at top of the analog inputs and it has the ground.


3000es -

Spiky

Sorry, I must have looked at something else or I'm blind. Bad week.

Trigger

here's the only pic I could find of the back of the one I have...

Spiky

Looks like the old one had full preouts, tough to see. Maybe you could make a case on that for the better one.

Mordred

Does your old one have 2nd zone support? Doesn't look like it but I can't tell from that picture.