[donc55]

WOW!
I did not notice that.
I sent an email yesterday, will see if I get a response.

 

[paradoxper]

  Is there no one in North America that can provide repair for Stax ? I know there is at least one guy in UK does this (expensive, but at least it is available).
 
I guess their strict repair policy worked...At this point, I definitely regret not spend another 1.5k to get a new pair from US distributor.  
This thing is basically a ticking financial time bomb that might burn a small hole in your wallet.
 
If it is made in China, I am sure people will be all over it about how ****ty the quality is, but made in Japan somehow gives this thing a special 'not-my-fault, sucks to be a fanboy with money to burn' status...
 
For any wine drinkers out there, doesn't this remind you the whole white burg premox thing ? Clearly, producers have a quality issue, but the demand is still strong, then you have ppl pouring bottle after bottle expensive wine down the drain...

I once again don't understand why people don't look into things before they just put themselves all-in. 
 
Is the one guy in UK authorized - please provide context to your thoughts.
 
Stax have been making electrostatic headphones for a very long time. They also have a very reliable track record with their products regarding longevity.
Yes, the 009's seem to slip and we still don't have answers for the "high" failure rates. 
 
I still don't see the 009's being too high risk. 
 
Still, in the end, do your homework. Understand the risks - understand the penny pinching aspect of "grey market." Assume those risks.
 
Don't like it, buy something else.

 

[kodreaming]

Well, not every purchase decision made by people is always well researched. I always like the sound and always under the impression of Stax has a reputation of high quality and longevity. So, I jumped on it without enough research. I wouldn't call this all-in, I didi't take a loan to buy it. It is not pocket change, but nothing to lose sleep over.
 
Is this my own fault ? Definitely. However, it doesn't change the fact Stax as a business has quality issue on their flagship item and I find it annoying, regardless the sales channel.
 
You are right. I will not buy a Stax product again. But, I still want to find a resolution
 
PS: Not sure the UK's guy is authorized or not. Just heard it from someone who had a good experience of getting his 009 fixed.
 
 
 
Quote:

  I once again don't understand why people don't look into things before they just put themselves all-in. 
 
Is the one guy in UK authorized - please provide context to your thoughts.
 
Stax have been making electrostatic headphones for a very long time. They also have a very reliable track record with their products regarding longevity.
Yes, the 009's seem to slip and we still don't have answers for the "high" failure rates. 
 
I still don't see the 009's being too high risk. 
 
Still, in the end, do your homework. Understand the risks - understand the penny pinching aspect of "grey market." Assume those risks.
 
Don't like it, buy something else.

 

[georgep]

I wouldn't lose sleep over the direct from Japan versus north American reseller. There was a fellow (tmoney I believe) who had a bad driver out of warranty and the repair cost from stax usa/yamas was higher than the price of a brand new pair from Japan.

 

[mulveling]

I wouldn't lose sleep over the direct from Japan versus north American reseller. There was a fellow (tmoney I believe) who had a bad driver out of warranty and the repair cost from stax usa/yamas was higher than the price of a brand new pair from Japan.

Wow, that's hard to believe -- but if accurate, then there's no way I'd buy through a USA dealer at a premium, unless the distributor changes. Anyways, between my friend Purk and I we've got 3 pairs of PJ 009's now crossing the 4, 2, and 1.5 year marks with no issue. I don't value a 2-year warranty as much as I value getting decent out-of-warranty support for non-gouging prices (unlike most headphones, the 009 are actually worth keeping for more than 2 years). Distributors like this make the grey market thrive. 

 

[georgep]

My own experience about 4 years ago with getting a quote to replace arced and blown 007 drivers (not by me) was around $2300 from yamas. I politely thanked them and said "I would think about it".

 

[mulveling]

My own experience about 4 years ago with getting a quote to replace arced and blown 007 drivers (not by me) was around $2300 from yamas. I politely thanked them and said "I would think about it".

You are indeed a very polite person! I think I'll continue to avoid doing any business that involves Yamas.

 

[MacedonianHero]

My own experience about 4 years ago with getting a quote to replace arced and blown 007 drivers (not by me) was around $2300 from yamas. I politely thanked them and said "I would think about it".

 
Good news George...Plurison is the Canadian dealer now for Stax and I've found them quite good to deal with. I bought a back up pair of ear-pads from them and they were most responsive and easy to deal with (unlike like you know 

).

 

[georgep]

Right, right, out of Montreal. I think you mentioned them to me before, but they slipped my mind.

 

[MacedonianHero]

Right, right, out of Montreal. I think you mentioned them to me before, but they slipped my mind.

 
No worries. I'm glad to avoid Yamas any time I can.  Hope you're doing well! 

 

[georgep]

All good. Need to have you over at some point to hear the carbon with your 009 and 007.

 

[MacedonianHero]

All good. Need to have you over at some point to hear the carbon with your 009 and 007.

 
That would be awesome! Still have the T-2 also?

 

[georgep]

Working on my second at the moment.

 

[MacedonianHero]

Working on my second at the moment.

 
Impressive! 

 

[HemiSam]

I have used FromJapan.  I had a new 007 Mk2 with the driver imbalance unfortunately...took a 2-3 months to show up if memory serves me.  Shipping was expensive back and forth, but I received a brand new pair that fortunately has not been problematic over the last year plus.  I still came out ahead even with the shipping vs buying domestically.  It was a PITA having to deal with it, but so would have doing it domestically....packing and shipping is packing and shipping.  What I do recommend is use a good payor that supports its customers (e.g. Visa, AmEx, PayPal) so you have leverage and keep all your documentation.
 
I much rather see posters be communicative about their problems.  I don't understand the whole fanboy approach to defending a company that happens all too often here, especially with the brands that endear themselves to users (Schiit is the worse I have seen).  The more info we have, the better we are as a community.  I personally think i's ******** that the number of ear speakers manifesting with the imbalance is what it is.  There is a quality issue that can't be chalked up to rounding IMO, and setting the bar low by comparing to say Hifiman is just that...setting the bar low.
 
HS