Alright, so I have a few things to share and basically I am here to ask for
@EffectAudio 's help.
I bought a Centurion early May and five days later, this happened:
Now if anyone remember me from last year, the same oxidation happened to my other Centurion, but for context, that one was kept in a VE leather case without any moisture protection, and the oxidation was only clearly noticeable after 5 months. This one I kept in a Pelican case with dehumidifiers, and the Pelican itself was kept in a dry box, again with dehumidifiers.
I thought that was impossible since it is only less than a week since I got it, but I recognise these oxidated parts immediate because it is exactly the same as last year. So I emailed effect audio asking for help. Their reply was that these looked like colour stains on the outer jacket. The stains were clearly inside on the wire, but I did not press the case further since it is only a small part.
Another week gone and the oxidation worsened - it is clearly noticeable in many parts of the wire:
So I went to Crystal Sound Audio (CSA), the Hong Kong dealer for Effect Audio, for help. They recognised that it was oxidation but stated that EA might not be able to "fix" it. (I sent my Chiron for RMA in March due to bad contact and oxidation and it was returned to me after two months with a new 4.4, but the oxidated wires remained - which I don't mind because it is not very noticeable through Chiron's matte black jacket)
Today CSA came back to me saying that EA said oxidation cannot be fixed.
Basically I am a bit disappointed because last year EA offered me a brand new exchange once I posted my issues on Head-Fi. This time I thought the problem was more serious because the oxidation happened within a month and with my best efforts of anti-humidity - dry box, dehumidifiers, and basically using it indoors only. I am finding it very strange because:
- my last Centurion oxidised after 5 months and that was without any protection. This one lasted 7 days.
- I use the exact same placement method for my Chiron x Code 51 (which has identical materials as the Centurion for some of the wires) which I have had for two months longer, and NOTHING happened to that cable - still looks immaculate. And I used this cable outdoors.
Anyway, what I am saying is that I experienced great customet service from EA last year - they replaced my Centurion very quickly. I eventually ended up selling it due to synergy issues with my new IEMs and fear of oxidation. I purchased another one this year because I loved it with the Annihilator, and seeing that my anti-oxidation methods worked for my other wires, I was confident to give it another shot. Needless to say I am a shocked and disappointed that it happened that quickly.
Seeing that I bought two Centurions at full retail price, I'd like to ask for EA's help and see of you could do one of the following for me:
- a brand new exchange (but I don't prefer this option because I might end up selling it again)
- a full/partial refund
- an exchange to other cable options
- just a thought: if you can build the Centurion with Chiron's matte black jacket, then I probably wouldn't mind the oxidation as much.
Or if you have any other options, please feel free to discuss it with me.
Thank you.
@EffectAudio @JordonEA