I am a bit of a lurker on these forums...I usually come around when I am thinking about buying something new. However, I had an experience with Westone that I feel ought to be put out there. I didn't really see a lot of threads on this but I may be missing them.
I bought a pair of Westone 3's in July 2009. Just the other day, I noticed that the left phone was cutting in and out a bit. I am pretty careful with these...they live in the case when they're not in my ears...but I do use them more or less every day at work and occasionally for exercise. I don't think anything has happened to them that would warrant them cutting out after less than two years of use.
I emailed Westone customer support to see if they could repair the phones for me. They got back and asked for proof of purchase and my shipping information. I sent them my receipt and my info. They got back to me and told me that not only are the phones out of warranty, but they are not manufactured in the US and therefore cannot be repaired. They offered a replacement set of phones - new out of box - for $175.
Those are the facts and everyone can decide for themselves whether they want to do business with this company. I, personally, will never buy another one of their products again as long as I live. These were over $300 phones and lasted me less than 2 years, and they cannot even be repaired AT MY COST. That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of. They sound great, they're comfortable, but the quality and level of service that Westone offers is completely unacceptable. I think cutting out after less than 2 years is not really acceptable but...OK...they're out of warranty and I would be willing to pay to have them repaired. Replaced at $175 though? Not happening.
I guess I will be finding a new set of IEMs when I get the money. This was not an insignificant purchase for me. I guess I should have stuck with $15 Koss KSC75's.