[Allanmarcus]

But I wouldn't definitely recommend buying a second hand Focal Utopia due to this warranty issue. It's better to buy it new and have full warranty.

Well, let's clarify that statement. I would not buy a used one unless it came with a receipt and willingness from the seller to help in case warranty work is needed.

 

[ubs28]

Well, let's clarify that statement. I would not buy a used one unless it came with a receipt and willingness from the seller to help in case warranty work is needed.

It's too much hassle for me. I rather buy it new and not having to worry about this warranty BS of Focal. But if you want to go that route, then I suppose you can do it.

 

[Allanmarcus]

It's too much hassle for me. I rather buy it new and not having to worry about this warranty BS of Focal. But if you want to go that route, then I suppose you can do it.

That is the route I went, and I had to take advantage of it and had to go through a replacement. I do agree with you that it's a hassle. A receipt from the original purchase should be good enough. For this amount of money, focal should stand by their product.

On the business side, a transferable warranty encourages a secondary market, which eats into sales. Next thing you know your $4000 headphones are selling used for $2500! Well, that will never happen

 

[TSAVJason]

You didn't get the receipt when you bought it 2nd hand? It should state where it is bought from I assume.

Maybe wait a few days, I sometimes don't see when people message me so he might have missed it also.

But I wouldn't definitely recommend buying a second hand Focal Utopia due to this warranty issue. It's better to buy it new and have full warranty.

Buying higher end products should be purchased with great care when purchasing used. Know your seller better is probably a good idea. Buying from an reputable authorized dealer is better. Greymarket or used makes no difference when requesting repair, to focal or its distributors it's the same thing. Here in the US a replacement driver is $984.00 each. A little on the pricey side to ignore having a warranty. Different distributors handle things differently but you can get your headphone repaired. What the upset would be to me is even is I paid a really low price like $2k and a driver goes bad, now I've paid $3k to make them right again. This math should be considered when considering making a used purchase of any product not just Focal. Buying from a non-authorized dealer, off shore greymarket and used is always a "Buyer beware" scenario. This technicality is not exclusive to Focal.


@Tassie Devil
If you want my help with your repair needs, contact me by PM, provide your name, email, location and serial (phone is also helpful) and I'll help direct you to the correct path for service.

 

[jlbrach]

audeze takes care of all problems regardless of used or not....i have had wonderful experience working with them and my HP's both new and used ones....other manufacturers do the same...I happen to own a utopia that i bought new but am really distressed by this policy and will in the future tread lightly when it comes to focal products...very poor IMHO

 

[ubs28]

audeze takes care of all problems regardless of used or not....i have had wonderful experience working with them and my HP's both new and used ones....other manufacturers do the same...I happen to own a utopia that i bought new but am really distressed by this policy and will in the future tread lightly when it comes to focal products...very poor IMHO

Why? Just buy it new and you have no problems.

From what I remember, LCD headphones were failing left and right so there was a issue with the product itself. And I believe Audeze didn't offer that replacement program from the start, it was untill people got angry at Audeze that they started replacing faulty headphones.

If the Focal Utopia is faulty due to a manufacturing issue and most of the Focal Utopia's are failing, Focal is going to replace it even if it is out of warranty since you got the European regulations on your side. You can even get out of warranty repairs from Apple by pointing to the European regulations (unless you broke it yourself ofcourse, then you are out of luck).

So I don't consider it anything special from Audeze, it's pretty normal actually if their is a manufacturing defect.

 

[jlbrach]

A product that will not service used units will have horrible resale value and I will not buy it. Audeze may have had issues but they repair no questions asked which is how it should be

 

[Tassie Devil]

Still no reply from Focal or from the original Utopia owner so I'm concerned about what service can be expected when buying these, either new from dealers, or used from previous owners.

I'm not trying to claim repair under guarantee, I just want them repaired. If anyone has any suggestions asbout who I could contact, they would be appreciated.

Ureka - finally got hold of someone. They are now in nthe post to Melbourne. I'll let you all know the outcome & cost.

 

[TSAVJason]

audeze takes care of all problems regardless of used or not....i have had wonderful experience working with them and my HP's both new and used ones....other manufacturers do the same...I happen to own a utopia that i bought new but am really distressed by this policy and will in the future tread lightly when it comes to focal products...very poor IMHO

You're suggesting all manufacturers make identicle policies.

 

[TSAVJason]

Why? Just buy it new and you have no problems.

From what I remember, LCD headphones were failing left and right so there was a issue with the product itself. And I believe Audeze didn't offer that replacement program from the start, it was untill people got angry at Audeze that they started replacing faulty headphones.

If the Focal Utopia is faulty due to a manufacturing issue and most of the Focal Utopia's are failing, Focal is going to replace it even if it is out of warranty since you got the European regulations on your side. You can even get out of warranty repairs from Apple by pointing to the European regulations (unless you broke it yourself ofcourse, then you are out of luck).

So I don't consider it anything special from Audeze, it's pretty normal actually if their is a manufacturing defect.

"Most" is very over exaggerated by a lot.

 

[jlbrach]

quite obviously not,they are all free to offer whatever warranty they want...i the consumer am free to determine which HP to purchase in part based on this policy.....for me to buy a brand new utopia and pay 4K only to find it selling for a fraction of that in the resale market due to this policy is unacceptable...perhaps others do not mind but i surely do

 

[TSAVJason]

quite obviously not,they are all free to offer whatever warranty they want...i the consumer am free to determine which HP to purchase in part based on this policy.....for me to buy a brand new utopia and pay 4K only to find it selling for a fraction of that in the resale market due to this policy is unacceptable...perhaps others do not mind but i surely do

To each his own I always say. Resale of used product isn't consistent since many people sell for different reasons. I saw a pair of Utopia sell for $2k so that the guy could pay off his car note. I know he paid $3200 from Headroom because I saw his invoice. No offense meant but I don't think the resale market is as you might think it is.

 

[bflat]

Is there a portable case for the Utopias that offer decent protection but also fits easily into a backpack? I saw the one from Gobudi.com and several possibilities from eBay, but want worried about fit. I want to avoid pelican type hard cases due to their bulk.

Thanks

 

[Allanmarcus]

To each his own I always say. Resale of used product isn't consistent since many people sell for different reasons. I saw a pair of Utopia sell for $2k so that the guy could pay off his car note. I know he paid $3200 from Headroom because I saw his invoice. No offense meant but I don't think the resale market is as you might think it is.

I think (or am taking him) to mean "unacceptable" to him. Meaning he will not buy a Utopia at $4000 because of the non-transferable warranty, perceived high failure rate, and thus lower resale value.

To all: I've add a poll to first page of this thread. Please take a moment and answer the poll. I think the result, while very unscientific, will be interesting.
Go to the first page of this thread to answer the poll question: please do not just post your response.

 

[jlbrach]

obviously not in each specific case but in general obviously the resale value for a product that will be taken care of by the manufacturer should be better than one that will not be...common sense...i know you are a large distributor of utopia but come on ...