PNF Audio,Steve Jain

dekuda
dekuda Posts: 756
edited February 2011 in Electronics
Has anyone here dealt with Steve Jain at PNF audio? He has posted here about offering Polkies good deals on his products. Well, I sent him money through paypal for some of their PNF Symphony speaker cables and that was three weeks ago and have not received them. The last email I received on 8/2 said they were shipping. He has not returned any of my emails since then. Maybe he on a business trip or something but I am getting a little nervous.:confused:
HT System
Parasound Halo A51 Amp, Marantz AV 8003 Pre, Arcam FMJ CD36 cd player, Marantz 7007 BD/SACD player,Acoustic Zen Matrix IC's, Analysis Plus Crystal Copper Oval IC's, Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables, B&W 703's Fronts, Center Martin Logan Motif hybrid, Surrounds DefTech BPX, 2 X DefTech Supercube Reference Subs, DSpeaker Antimode 8033 EQ.
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited August 2010
    I've had about 3 transactions with him buying PNF speaker cables and IC's. His cables are tough to beat at their price range, but his service sucks. It took a long time for him to deliver the goods and lots of emails prompting him. He does have a very small operation and a new baby.

    In my last communication with him he agreed to send me a short section of speaker cable so I could make my own jumpers for free, but he never followed through. So, I eventually gave up after sending lots of emails and just bought some from another seller.
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  • dekuda
    dekuda Posts: 756
    edited August 2010
    Ern Dog wrote: »
    I've had about 3 transactions with him buying PNF speaker cables and IC's. His cables are tough to beat at their price range, but his service sucks. It took a long time for him to deliver the goods and lots of emails prompting him. He does have a very small operation and a new baby.

    In my last communication with him he agreed to send me a short section of speaker cable so I could make my own jumpers for free, but he never followed through. So, I eventually gave up after sending lots of emails and just bought some from another seller.

    Thanks Ern Dog for the feedback. If it is slow I can wait. I just wish his communications would be better and just let me know. I will follow up on this and let everyone know if I get them and how they sound. Here is a chance for me to give him some good pub on his products and I hope I will be able to.
    HT System
    Parasound Halo A51 Amp, Marantz AV 8003 Pre, Arcam FMJ CD36 cd player, Marantz 7007 BD/SACD player,Acoustic Zen Matrix IC's, Analysis Plus Crystal Copper Oval IC's, Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables, B&W 703's Fronts, Center Martin Logan Motif hybrid, Surrounds DefTech BPX, 2 X DefTech Supercube Reference Subs, DSpeaker Antimode 8033 EQ.
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited August 2010
    His products won some award from "The Absolute Sound" for 2 years. His cables are top notch and worth the wait.
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  • headrott
    headrott Posts: 5,496
    edited August 2010
    I had a similar exprerience as Ern Dog did. It took a lot of e-mail prodding to finally get the cables delivered. It's not the fact that it took a long time to get them, it was the fact that he charged my credit card and THEN started putting the cables together. I did not like the fact he had my money about 2 1/2 weeks before I had the cables. I did eventually recieve them and they sound very good though (I use them for my AI-1 box).

    Greg
    Relayer-Big-O-Poster.jpg
    Taken from a recent Audioholics reply regarding "Club Polk" and Polk speakers:
    "I'm yet to hear a Polk speaker that merits more than a sentence and 60 seconds discussion." :\
    My response is: If you need 60 seconds to respond in one sentence, you probably should't be evaluating Polk speakers.....

    "Green leaves reveal the heart spoken Khatru"- Jon Anderson

    "Have A Little Faith! And Everything You'll Face, Will Jump From Out Right On Into Place! Yeah! Take A Little Time! And Everything You'll Find, Will Move From Gloom Right On Into Shine!"- Arthur Lee
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited August 2010
    have you tried calling him? I found sometimes people tend not to like to answer emails as often as they will a phone call and vise versa.
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  • dekuda
    dekuda Posts: 756
    edited August 2010
    No, I have not tried calling but I think I will now. I beleive I saw his number when I googled it somewhere. No email responses,no cables for over three weeks. this is very frustrating and I am losing patience. If he would just email and let me know there is a delay. I have up to 9/8 to file a claim through papypal.
    HT System
    Parasound Halo A51 Amp, Marantz AV 8003 Pre, Arcam FMJ CD36 cd player, Marantz 7007 BD/SACD player,Acoustic Zen Matrix IC's, Analysis Plus Crystal Copper Oval IC's, Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables, B&W 703's Fronts, Center Martin Logan Motif hybrid, Surrounds DefTech BPX, 2 X DefTech Supercube Reference Subs, DSpeaker Antimode 8033 EQ.
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  • dekuda
    dekuda Posts: 756
    edited August 2010
    Oh, and I did send a email through their online store , no response yet
    HT System
    Parasound Halo A51 Amp, Marantz AV 8003 Pre, Arcam FMJ CD36 cd player, Marantz 7007 BD/SACD player,Acoustic Zen Matrix IC's, Analysis Plus Crystal Copper Oval IC's, Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables, B&W 703's Fronts, Center Martin Logan Motif hybrid, Surrounds DefTech BPX, 2 X DefTech Supercube Reference Subs, DSpeaker Antimode 8033 EQ.
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  • highendjunky
    highendjunky Posts: 4
    edited August 2010
    I am in the same situation as you. I had purchased a pair of Symphony speaker cables but had to send them back to be re-terminated with spades since my setup changed. I have been waiting to receive the cables back for 3 months now. He initially would get back to me but then he said he had some family issues he was dealing with which I will not go into detail about.

    The last I heard from him was on August 11th after I filed a Paypal claim which was the only way I was able to get him to respond. This was after sending numerous emails to him with no response. He said the cables were finished and he would have them out to me asap but that was over 2 weeks ago. I have since emailed him a few times in which I have gotten no response again. Paypal has since closed the claim as their policy for filing is within 45 days after payment. At this point it appears as if his business is about to fold since he obviously does not care about his customers. Don't know what to do at this point either.
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  • dekuda
    dekuda Posts: 756
    edited August 2010
    highendjunky, This is a sad case where a manufacturer post on CP that he will give us good deals on his cables.Then he is slow on following through and does not return emails,no product.I have emailed several times,gone through his company,tried calling,no luck I am giving him a chance and if I get my cables and like them I will post that. I believe his products are good quality from the people that have them. you woud think that he would want good pub when he sells to people like us who can give testimonies about his products but everything has been real slow. This is why I filed a claim just to be on the safe side. Steve, if you read this post repond to me,highendjunky and others that have put their faith in you and your products:;)
    HT System
    Parasound Halo A51 Amp, Marantz AV 8003 Pre, Arcam FMJ CD36 cd player, Marantz 7007 BD/SACD player,Acoustic Zen Matrix IC's, Analysis Plus Crystal Copper Oval IC's, Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables, B&W 703's Fronts, Center Martin Logan Motif hybrid, Surrounds DefTech BPX, 2 X DefTech Supercube Reference Subs, DSpeaker Antimode 8033 EQ.
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  • highendjunky
    highendjunky Posts: 4
    edited August 2010
    You should be hearing from him soon since you put the Paypal claim in. I heard back from him the same day when I put my claim in a couple of weeks ago.

    Please post back if you hear from him. I'll have to just be patient at this point and hope the cables arrive soon.

    On a side note, I did order a pair of of his interconnects a few months ago which arrived in decent time. He also threw in a free optical cable when I first ordered the speaker cables. He's not a bad guy just needs to get his customer service act together.

    His cables are very good for the money but this will be the last time I order from him.
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  • dekuda
    dekuda Posts: 756
    edited August 2010
    Highendjunky
    You can be sure that I will post one way or another. You are right and everyone who has responded has the same experiences I am going through. I file a claim through payapl on Monday and on Tuesday he mailed and said my cables are done and would give a tracking number. Well, nothing yet . I will wait and have patience and I if the cables are good then I quess it will be worth the wait. If not, I have a polkie who will sell me a used set. And I must say that as of now I have never had problems with fellow Polkies
    HT System
    Parasound Halo A51 Amp, Marantz AV 8003 Pre, Arcam FMJ CD36 cd player, Marantz 7007 BD/SACD player,Acoustic Zen Matrix IC's, Analysis Plus Crystal Copper Oval IC's, Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables, B&W 703's Fronts, Center Martin Logan Motif hybrid, Surrounds DefTech BPX, 2 X DefTech Supercube Reference Subs, DSpeaker Antimode 8033 EQ.
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  • highendjunky
    highendjunky Posts: 4
    edited September 2010
    I sent Steve Jain two more emails and have not received any response. It's completely unacceptable. Any luck on your side?
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  • dekuda
    dekuda Posts: 756
    edited September 2010
    No luck at all with him. I have been sending emails to him but the last email I received about 4 days ago said my cables were done but I have no other emails,bogus tracking number and no cables. Well, now I am done :mad:. It has been a month and I am out $200 with no cables. What a shame the way he treats customers that want to buy his products. He has posted here and other forums about buying PNF products and I have no choice but to warn everyone here. If it changes I will let you know but it does not look good.
    HT System
    Parasound Halo A51 Amp, Marantz AV 8003 Pre, Arcam FMJ CD36 cd player, Marantz 7007 BD/SACD player,Acoustic Zen Matrix IC's, Analysis Plus Crystal Copper Oval IC's, Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables, B&W 703's Fronts, Center Martin Logan Motif hybrid, Surrounds DefTech BPX, 2 X DefTech Supercube Reference Subs, DSpeaker Antimode 8033 EQ.
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  • dekuda
    dekuda Posts: 756
    edited September 2010
    Well, I want to let all fellow polkies know that paypal has just resolved this case in my favor and I have my money back. Two things. 1) I do not know what is going on with PNF audio. They make great products but not getting my cables after 5 weeks and not replying to my emails is not good customer business. Highendjunky, I wish you the best of luck! 2) I am sure glad I used paypal. They communicated with me on a regular basis and when I sent them a email yestreday they got back to me today and reviewed my case and got my money back. This was my first claim with paypal and they were great! Now I have a chance to buy these cables from a fellow polkie here and I know things will go much better.:)
    HT System
    Parasound Halo A51 Amp, Marantz AV 8003 Pre, Arcam FMJ CD36 cd player, Marantz 7007 BD/SACD player,Acoustic Zen Matrix IC's, Analysis Plus Crystal Copper Oval IC's, Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables, B&W 703's Fronts, Center Martin Logan Motif hybrid, Surrounds DefTech BPX, 2 X DefTech Supercube Reference Subs, DSpeaker Antimode 8033 EQ.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,249
    edited September 2010
    Thanks for the heads up. I was thinking about trying his digital coax.............I'll stay away based on this thread.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,105
    edited September 2010
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Thanks for the heads up. I was thinking about trying his digital coax.............I'll stay away based on this thread.

    H9

    +1!!! I wouldn't do business with someone with a track record 1/2 as bad as this guy. Bad business is bad business regardless how good the product is. I'll pass.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • QUAD-HO
    QUAD-HO Posts: 1
    edited November 2010
    I am posting this to warn audiophiles about PNF Audio. I don't know if they are just a lousy company or set to defraud us. Unfortunately they produce very nice cables. I particularly like their digital interconnect.
    I had three experiences with them. For the first, I had to enlist Paypal's help to get them to send it. The second involved a demo sale. The Icon cable came without the locking plugs. I quote his reply:
    "The way to tell if the cable is ICON or Precision A, is to look under or in the mesh braiding. If the cable itself is blue, it is Precision A. If it is Black, it is ICON.....The connectors, we are about to make the locking connector an option. We have had a number of customers ask for non locking lately. There is no sonic difference between the two connectors. Our cost is higher on the locking, so whenever we make deals or discounts, we use the non locking connectors. Since I did not mention that, if you want the locking, we will swap at no charge".
    I accepted the explanation and kept it as it was.
    The third, I never received. I sent several messages I got back some delaying tactics emails and then nothing.
    Regarding Paypal, NOTE that they have a 45 day disputation resolution limit.
    I missed that and now I consider the money lost. Any replies I got were within that 45 day window.
    Makes no sense. They have a good thing going. He should get a real business partner and stay in the lab or whatever.
    The web site is still active and accepting orders.
    HOW CAN THEY BE STOPPED?
    Incidentally, one reason I let it drag on is that I found the sound coming from the optical output of my MacBook music server superior to USB/SPDIF .
    In fact I find the optical output of the Airport Express still better then the MacBook's. Go figure!
    Optical cable cost? $5.00. I wouldn't pay more for fancy connectors and brand names. It's just light pulse sensing.
    If there are changes, I will update.
    Lyngdorf DPA-1
    Golden Tube/Sonicraft SE-40 monoblocks (love' em, love' em, love' em)
    Maggie MC1 w/subs
    MacBook / Airport Express
    "The Source" turntable (mid 80s) / Rega 300
    #@#*&@# PNF Symphony and Icon
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  • vmaxer
    vmaxer Posts: 5,117
    edited November 2010
    I have made two purchases from Steve and love the cables. It is a slow process, I had to call his cell a few times, but I called often and finally got the products. I also use his speaker cables for my interconnect on my 1.2TL's.

    It's a shame the he is so slow. I probably would buy more if he would produce and ship quickly without having to folllow up so much.
    Pio Elete Pro 520
    Panamax 5400-EX
    Sunfire TGP 5
    Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
    PS Audio GCPH phono pre
    Sunfire CG 200 X 5
    Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
    OPPO BDP-83 SE
    SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
    Ctr CS1000p
    Sur - FX1000 x 4
    SUB - SVS PB2-Plus

    Workkout room:
    Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
    Onkyo TX-DS898
    GFA 555
    Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
    Ft - SDA 1C

    Not being used:
    RTi 38's -4
    RT55i's - 2
    RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
    LSI 15's
    CSi40
    PSW 404
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  • dekuda
    dekuda Posts: 756
    edited November 2010
    Let me just add that I am using his symphony speaker cables and a PNF ic between my pre and amp and I love their products. A good point was made that if you do not file a claim with paypal within 45 days you are out of luck. I was aware of this and filed on the 39th day. Then you have 30 days to try to work things out with the seller. But if you are suspicous when you are dealing with any seller after one month you should always file a claim. You can always close the claim if things work out:wink:
    HT System
    Parasound Halo A51 Amp, Marantz AV 8003 Pre, Arcam FMJ CD36 cd player, Marantz 7007 BD/SACD player,Acoustic Zen Matrix IC's, Analysis Plus Crystal Copper Oval IC's, Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables, B&W 703's Fronts, Center Martin Logan Motif hybrid, Surrounds DefTech BPX, 2 X DefTech Supercube Reference Subs, DSpeaker Antimode 8033 EQ.
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  • highendjunky
    highendjunky Posts: 4
    edited November 2010
    Vmaxer, I wouldn't call not sending my cables to me since the summer a slow process. I have sent Steve Jain over 10 emails to no reply. At this point it is a loss or I would put it more like a crime committed as my money was stolen.

    When I first started dealing with him in the spring he would respond to emails and sent my first order for a pair on Icon interconnects. In one email he let me know he was behind schedule of my second order due to a family crisis which I will not mention. After this he did not respond to any email so I feel this crisis has led him to let his business wane.

    If anybody is considering doing business with him I would highly advise against it. There are other value priced cable companies out there with excellent customer service.
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 26,004
    edited February 2011
    post 22 reported
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