possible damage to NAD C325BEE during shipping?

[andychen]

I bought an C325BEE in a classified sale and the amp was shipped from CA to MD by USPS priority. I just opened the package today and found that the seller only put some packaging “peanuts” in the box which do not provide enough protection. When the box was opened, one corner of the amp was in direct touch with the box without any foams in between. One corner was slightly cracked, see the picture.

I have listened to it for a while and it seems fine sound wise, but I am a little paranoid. I don't have a good amp to compare it with. I am wondering what could go wrong with the amp and if I can do some simple check to make sure it is OK.

I know nothing about the build and technology of amps, so please give me some suggestions. Thanks

 

[TLS Guy]

I bought an C325BEE in a classified sale and the amp was shipped from CA to MD by USPS priority. I just opened the package today and found that the seller only put some packaging “peanuts” in the box which do not provide enough protection. When the box was opened, one corner of the amp was in direct touch with the box without any foams in between. One corner was slightly cracked, see the picture.

I have listened to it for a while and it seems fine sound wise, but I am a little paranoid. I don't have a good amp to compare it with. I am wondering what could go wrong with the amp and if I can do some simple check to make sure it is OK.

I know nothing about the build and technology of amps, so please give me some suggestions. Thanks

Your amp is fine. It would either work or not. I assume all the controls work correctly? If they do don't worry.

 

[Seth=L]

Agreed, the amplifier seems to be working fine so it should be. An amplifier won't sound different because it was banged around in shipping, I would be certain to test all controls and connections. I would still contact the seller and let him know about the poor packing job and that in the future he/she needs to be sure they pack things in a more appropriate manor if they hope to have continued online sales.

 

[MinusTheBear]

I would treat this as if you bought this from any B&M store or any other online shop. I would call the person that sold this to you and try to work something out because the crack lowers the value of the amp and if you would have bought that amp with that crack you would have paid less? If the amp still works I would still try to get some compensation from the seller if that is possible?

 

[anamorphic96]

Ditto MinusThe Bears comment. If the seller is not willing to work with you on refunding some of the purchase price I would leave negative feedback if possible and warn other people of the sloppy packing job and that the seller is not ethical in his selling practices.

Peanuts should never be used when packing audio equipment unless it is being used after the item has heavy bubble wrap around it. Only the larger style of bubble wrap should be used when packing componets.

 

[markw]

Bubble wrap is not that expensive.

I also agree with TLS and the bear. While I don't believe your amp suffered any functional damage, that cosmetic issue with the damaged corner is worthy of consideration. It was not delivered in the contition in which it was represented. Have him pony up.

That corner is uckin fugly and you won't get the full "pride of ownership" feeling one gets when using a piece of gear that's in good physical and operational condition, which is what was advertized, and what you paid for.

 

[dorokusai]

That's terrible to hear. I'm sure that it probably works just fine but as stated previously, you need to contact the seller. It's amazing to see how people package things these days and you need to be vigilant as a buyer. Next time, inquire as to the packing protocol to be used and if it's stated clearly in the email, you have additional leverage.

I ship my gear as if it's going to war....which it essentially is.

Mark
Polk Audio CS

 

[andychen]

Hi, thank you all for the suggestions. I have checked the controls and connectors and they are fine. I will check the preamp and poweramp separately soon.

Just an update on the situation. I contacted the seller and showed him this thread. He offered a fairly reasonable amount of refund without me asking.

I got some nice budget speakers and now this amp completes my budget setup and hopefully it can last me for a while. I briefly compared this amp with the Trends T-amp using infinity P152. I liked the T-amp very much for its detail and soundstage, but C325BEE best T-amp in everyway. It has much fuller sound and is more musical to me.

I have been looking for a budget setup and asked quite a few questions here. Some of you guys replied to my other posts as well. I really want to thank you for that. It is a nice community.

 

[MinusTheBear]

I am glad everything worked out for you and that the seller cooperated.