I always find it totally insulting that companies claim to back their products 100% yet it costs you $60 (box and shipping) to have them replace something that should not have broken in the first place.
I don't know, it's just a matter of principle to me. You bought the amp, you paid for it and I don't think it's an outlandish idea that you'd expect the equipment to last at least a few years before it breaks. Now you have to pay to have them fix their problem. I just find that absurd.
I agree. I think most people agree.
Is there a company that would pay for shipping to them?
Even Bryston, who charges you $$$ on their amps will make you pay for shipping to them.
I think the only way around this is to buy from a company that has at least one authorized repair center in your town.
For example, if I live in Dallas, California, or New Jersey, etc., I could easily bring my Denon to their Denon Repair Centers around town. Then there would not be any shipping charges.
I had to send my Optoma HD81-LV projector to Optoma 3 times as well, and I had to pay for shipping to Optoma in California each time.