I have read a number of posts regarding the 240 and lack of customer support and would like to add my 2 cents. I have a new 240.
Firstly I purchased a 120 from Ted Allen of headphonelounge.com (authorized dealer in Oregon) about a month ago and had an issue with the unit not charging from my new computers USB. Actually the issue was that the unit was dead after only downloading 10 albums from HD Tracks and listening for about 3 or 4 hours. Charging from my USB didn’t help.
Fortunately I live a few miles from the importer Iriver, here in Orange County, CA, and was able to drive over to their office in Irvine. I was met at the door by Jimmy Moon an enthusiastic young chap who quickly upgraded the OS and started charging procedures… from his computers USB. Apparently nothing wrong; I was simply charging from a “low” powered USB on my computer and upon the return to my home I was able to get the unit fully charged. Jimmy indicated that the quickest way to charge the unit was from an Apple 110 volt to USB wall wart. One came with one of my Apple products so I was set. Kudos to Jimmy for not teasing me about my lack of technical sophistication.
As much as I was impressed with the 120 I decided to sell it through this forum (with the help of a friend with much feedback). Monday this week the 240 arrived (thanks again Ted) and it was quickly loaded with music. After hot swapping several of my ear devices the unit died and nothing seemed to help. It was like I’d hit some hidden mute button. No sound, nada! I was less than happy and after consultation with Ted and Jimmy it was suggested that if I took the 240 in to Iriver they would swap it out for a new one.
Yesterday I took the unit in and lo and behold it worked perfectly. Boy, did I feel like an idiot. The only thing that we could come up with was that hot swapping from the stereo headphone output was probably not a good idea. Apparently there is a known issue with hot swapping from the balanced output but not with regular stereo out.
So, in terms of customer service I would like to advise that I have nothing but excellence to report, bearing in mind I can jump on one of my motorcycles to navigate LA’s traffic and be at Iriver in 20 minutes. For those less fortunate here’s how to avoid the never answered Iriver phone… Jimmy’s direct # is [DELETED BY MOD. PLEASE DON'T DISCLOSE PHONE NUMBERS ON THE FORUMS].
Cheers, and happy listening,
Alan