SACD1/Internet retailers

[dwmann]

Has anyone purchased an SACD1 on the internet? I found one for $3100 and another for $3400 but it looks like these are oddball dealers. I found a forum for feedback on internet dealers, and it looks like these guys are kind of slow and quirky, but you DO get what you pay for, and my CC will protect me from a rip-off. However, the warranty situation is unclear. Some reports say Sony WILL honor warranties on this type of equipment, and will even send the REBATE stuff on it if you get the right CS person. Others say they will not, and even un-modded equipment from Oade Bros. is not covered. I thought they were authorized.

Does anyone know if Sony will honor warranties on machines from non-authorized dealers? Will independent authorized Sony repair shops honor these warranties? Does anyone know where I can get a deal on an SACD1? $5K is beyond me. Also, are there any online dealers would you recommend? And of these, who has best prices?

Thanks,
DWM

[Khorn]

Originally posted by dwmann
Does anyone know if Sony will honor warranties on machines from non-authorized dealers? Will independent authorized Sony repair shops honor these warranties? Does anyone know where I can get a deal on an SACD1? $5K is beyond me. Also, are there any online dealers would you recommend? And of these, who has best prices?Thanks,
DWM

I don't know about US prices but mine came with a card covering all 'ES' components for three years up here in Canada. I have been told that with this product Sony will make an "extra effort" to cover warranties on this machine. When I was thinking of buying mine in the US I was told as long as I had something to show that I bought it from an "official dealer" they would honour the warranty. Later on someone "closer to Sony" said that seeing as these are very limited and "new machines" in many cases Sony will cover warranty just on he basis of the date of manufacture that is on the machine itself.

[sgb]

Oade is an authorized dealer although I seriously doubt if they still have any SCD-1's in stock (since it has been discontinued).

You might want to consider buying a used SCD-1. If the seller registered it and is willing to give you a copy of the original sales receipt, the warranty is transferrable - and, if you live in the states, it is warranted for five years.

Of equal sound quality and performance is the Marantz SA-14, but the warranty is 1 year only.