How important are warranties when purchasing a new AVR?

[gsgarcia]

I have been looking around for a new receiver and the prices are substantially lower through non-authrorized dealers (mostly looking at the Pioneer VSX-01TXH), but they are not covered by the mfg. warranty.

Is the mfg. warranty that imporant to justify the extra money spent? Or are you rolling the dice buying from an unauthorized dealer?

 

[Haoleb]

I bought a Denon 1708 for a clients system, out of the box it had major issues. I sent it back and they fixed it. Even though I had to pay to send it back at least it was taken care of from there.

It really comes down to if you are willing to roll the dice...

I also bought a subwoofer driver that had minor issues. Although I could not send it in for repair to the manufacurer due to not buying from an authorized dealer. The place I bought it from would repair or replace it but I would have to pay shipping both ways. Since it still worked ok I just decided to buy another one all together instead of do the shipping both ways on my dime which would have been almost as much! It would have been nice to have the warranty then!

 

[Midcow2]

I have been looking around for a new receiver and the prices are substantially lower through non-authrorized dealers (mostly looking at the Pioneer VSX-01TXH), but they are not covered by the mfg. warranty.

Is the mfg. warranty that imporant to justify the extra money spent? Or are you rolling the dice buying from an unauthorized dealer?

Gsgarcia,

I do a lot of Internet shopping and buying. I was looking for a new AVR and fournd the lowest price of Pricegrabber.com for a vendor Hipathi Way. Later, I found out that Marantz had authorized Internet delaers; primary purpose it to prevent people from selling used/returned or stolen equipment. Anyway, I was a little concerned so I communicated directly with Marantz and after checking the serial number thay said they would honor the full 3-year warrnaty if I need any repairs or warranty work.

However, with Marantz quality I don't expect any repairs. The same would be true with other major vendors. The only AVR, I didn't like was a Pioneer Elite VSX-45TX , but that was just my experience, you probably will not have any problems with Pioneer.

FWIIW, I found the Pioneer VSX-01TXH for as low as $619 with no tax and free shipping from:
http://www.dbuys.com/product/?53056&hit_id=13104168&Campaign_id=24&cart_id=29129821&sk1=1
Other places were a little lower ($599) but had shipping and/or tax charges.

 

[jostenmeat]

gsgarcia, I personally would buy authorized. JMO so far. A different way to save money is to buy a refurbished item. They still come with warranties. I've bought a prepro, amp, and receiver in the last couple of years, all as refurbed, and all of them had at least a 1 yr warranty.

They say with electronics that if something is going to fail, it's going to happen very early on, either the first day to first week, for say 99% of the time.

Now, I don't think they make "receivers", but if you do buy used electronics second-hand from Outlaw and Emotiva, their 5-yr warranties are transferrable, AFAIK.

 

[gsgarcia]

I don't know the rules as far as pricing is concerned, but I found the 01TXH on ebay for almost $200 lower than the price listed on pioneer's website. The seller happens to offer a 30 day warranty, and the unit is new in the box. I am just a little weary of buying something this expensive with no warranty. I can just hear the wife now...

 

[GlocksRock]

I say it's worth it as long as you are getting a product that has a good track record. Another thing to consider is how much you are saving, is the savings greater than or equal to the possible cost of two way shipping and repair fees? I bought my Yamaha RX-V1600 and RX-V1800 off Ebay and have never had a problem with either. Some ebay sellers will offer a mack warranty on the receivers they sell, so you can still have some peace of mind when buying from a non-authorized dealer.

 

[fmw]

The manufacturers have minimum advertised price policies. The purpose, apparently, is to protect dealers from themselves. It is not a minimum price policy but a minimum advertised price policy. Call a smaller authorized dealer and offer to pay the $200 lower price for the unit. He might do it. If so, you would have the best of both worlds.

 

[gsgarcia]

Well, I contacted Pioneer and they will not honor the warranty if not purchased through an authorized dealer. Not sure about other companies. I guess if I find one cheap enough, I'll have to roll the dice. Thanks for all the help guys.

 

[Haoleb]

I'll echo what fmw said, Dont be afraid to haggle. It seems like most people walk into a place and settle for paying whats on the price tag. Of course, if your in walmart or something your better off just going with that but if its a smaller place there's a good chance you can get some extra money off. I have access to dealer price sheets on some brands and the markup on many items is 75-100% from what the dealer pays to MSRP

The way i see it, If I am selling something for 200 bucks and I paid say 110 to buy it and ship it. and someone offers me 150 or they walk. I'll take the 150. Thats still 40 bucks profit I wouldnt be making if the guy walked.

everyone pretty much expects to haggle at a car dealership why should anywhere else be different.