Head-Direct

[Sinocelt]

I first came to Head-Fi in 2005, in search of information and advice, which led to my buying the EP-630, my first canalphones. About one year ago, they finally died, so I came back here, which in turn led to my buying the RE2.

I tried them. Tried all the tips. And concluded they were crap. I shoved them into a drawer, bought the SHS8000 locally, and tried to forget about wasting my hard-earned money.

Now the SHS8000 are a really good pair of earphones, for the price, but they isolate barely more than earbuds. Maybe that makes them safer, but that certainly doesn't make them a prime option for commuting, or to block the booming gym music.

So I came back to Head-Fi, of course. I ended buying the CX 380 II (poor SQ), the HF5, and the ADDIEM (both for cheap, neither received yet). I also pulled the RE2 out of their drawer, and tried them again. They still sounded like crap... but for a couple of seconds, when they sounded wonderful. I started fiddling with the mini-jack, and by pulling and turning, got the sound again.

Great. But only if I was ready to fiddle with the mini-jack for several minutes each time, and then keep my hands on it during my whole listening session. Not really ideal. So I sent an email to Head-Direct, explaining the problem. They asked me to send the RE2 for a replacement. I'd managed to lose the proof of purchase, but happily, not the invoice; so I did send it back, and today, I received a whole new RE2, in record time...

... more than six months after the warranty had expired, as I discovered latter when buying a new RE2. Not only that, but Fang gifted me with two free pairs of my favorite tips (the big bi-flange ones) and five pairs of filters!

I'm a satisfied customer.

[ClieOS]

Congrats on the re-discovery of RE2

[Joe91]

Nice! I got a pair of RE0s in the mail now so it's good to hear :-)

Strangely though, I had the exact same problem with two different pairs of SF5s. I think after I upgrade from the RE0 it'll be something with a replaceable cable.

[tstarn06]

Not surprised, as Fang is honest and really cares about his customers. Oddly, I have a new pair of RE2s (replacement for ones my daughter had and a channel went out). The other day, I was trying to pull up the slider, but it seems very hard to move. I accidentally pulled up the silver piece (that says RE2 on it) and exposed the connection, and lost the sound quality (kept going in and out). Weird thing was, the wiring seemed oddly unfinished. In a panic, I slid the metal piece back over the exposed wire, and they sound fine again. But I am worried they will fail because of what happened.

However, I am confident that if they do go down for the count, Fang will replace them.

He will work with any customer to do the right thing, so buying from Head-Direct is always a safe bet in my view. Personal touch is second to none.

[blacknile]

Originally Posted by Sinocelt

So I came back to Head-Fi, of course. I ended buying the CX 380 II (poor SQ), the HF5:

Hi there, was wonder what are your impressions on the HF5?

[ddkyd]

Sent the RE2 for replacement.
Fang replied to my email within a day with simple "Send them in for replacement"
I was still under the 90 day warranty tho.
I feel that this kind of service is almost necessary since Head Direct earphones seem to have some quality issues.

[tstarn06]

Could be. I've only owned the RE2s. My daughter has been through a couple pair, but she's a college student who is rough on them. My nephew has a pair too, and he is very careful. So far, no problems.

[ClieOS]

I have all three of the RE series since their release and haven't have any problem with any of them. It is hard to judge QC issue by forum replies since most people won't post when there is no problem.

[patate]

It would be great if Head-Direct could provide a 2-year warranty on their high-end products though, like other manufacturers in that price range.

(And a carrying case/pouch )

[tstarn06]

My guess is if you sent a broken pair to Fang within two years, he'd replace them. As long as they weren't broken due to pilot error. But, I don't speak for him, of course. By high end, do you mean RE0? There are not than many H-D phones, as he also sells Yuins, etc.

[patate]

Yes I was refering to RE0. The one I want to get in addition to my beloved RE2

[ChroniCali]

Fang continues his beauty of quality customer service. Glad to hear.

[ClieOS]

Originally Posted by patate

... like other manufacturers in that price range.

You'll be disappointed to learn that UE is cutting short all their IEM warranty to just one year, including the most expensive UE11.

[patate]

I didn't know about that. Shame on them!

On the other hand, UE do provide beauty carrying cases

[kjk1281]

Thanks for sharing you're story. It's always great to hear stories of excellent customer service. The tales of Head-Direct's commitment to customer satisfaction are what ultimately lead me to purchase the RE2. Of course, the reviews also helped in no small way.