PSW505 Blowing fuses after 7 months & Polk Wants To Charge Me $300 For A Amp.

Slayer200923

I gotta say, I'm highly dissatisfied with Polk's ability to take care of a customer. I loved the product and had planned to buy more Polk Audio, but if I'm stuck with a dead Subwoofer at 7 months because they won't honor a warranty simply because the dealer wasn't authorized and can't at least sell a replacement part for less than the entire subwoofer costs then I'm done with PolkAudio, sadly.

They wanted to charge me $300 for an amp for a subwoofer you can get for $175-$250 sealed in the box. Really? Now it's just a huge paper weight. I was hoping to stick with PolkAudio. The PSW505 is a great sub for the money, but now my system feels incomplete and I'm regretting purchasing it due to the way it's been handled once it's gone bad. I've heard good things about how customers like me were taken care of, but that definitely wasn't the case with me. So, I guess I'm just screwed.

codyc1ark

Slayer200923 wrote: »

...but if I'm stuck with a dead Subwoofer at 7 months because they won't honor a warranty simply because the dealer wasn't authorized.

Here we go again... :redface: I don't understand, there are plenty of authorized dealers that sell the 505 fairly cheep... Sounds like a case of you not doing the research to protect yourself, and here you are.

[Deleted User]

Hello Slayer200923,
Welcome to Polk's online forum, I'm sorry you're having a problem. I've sent a copy of your post to the CS manager to see if some accommodation can be offered. How did you determine the problem is with the amplifier? If the woofer's voice coil is damaged it can cause the amplifier to blow its fuse, it might mean a new woofer not an amplifier.
Regards, Ken

Slayer200923

Deleted

treitz3

You were screwed the day you purchased it from an unauthorized dealer. For all you/we know, you might have gotten a Chinese knockoff with a Polk badge. Mr. Swauger, sometimes you are just too nice of a man.

Tom

Slayer200923

Kenneth Swauger wrote: »

Hello Slayer200923,
Welcome to Polk's online forum, I'm sorry you're having a problem. I've sent a copy of your post to the CS manager to see if some accommodation can be offered. How did you determine the problem is with the amplifier? If the woofer's voice coil is damaged it can cause the amplifier to blow its fuse, it might mean a new woofer not an amplifier.
Regards, Ken

Hi. I was told on a forum that's what it probably was. Is there a way I can verify? I can open it up if I need to. I appreciate the response. Hopefully something good can come of this. I do love the sub, so it's just disappointing. Never had any problems whatsoever with it til now.

[Deleted User]

Hi,
Let's see what we can do. Try removing the woofer's grille cover and take out the screws holding the woofer onto the cabinet. Then use a putty knife and loosen up the woofer from the cabinet and pull the woofer out of the enclosure. Then disconnect the two wires that are attached to the woofer's terminals. Do you happen to have a volt-ohm meter, or could borrow one?
Ken

EndersShadow

Man I swear, join a forum just to bad mouth a company because your didn't but from a authorized vendor so the warranty isn't valid.... I would think Polk would talk about that scenario on their website somewhere......

Oh wait they do......

And oh wait they even list know UNAUTHORIZED RESELLERS.....

Bet you bought it from the unauthorized person because they offered it at a better price..... And now your paying for it.

The fact Polk is taking care of you in spite of your ignorance shows how good if a company they are....

So who did you buy it from and what did you pay.....

F1nut

because they won't honor a warranty simply because the dealer wasn't authorized

Another fine example of the entitlement generation. :rolleyes:

Mr. Swauger, sometimes you are just too nice of a man.

Indeed.

Slayer200923

EndersShadow wrote: »

Man I swear, join a forum just to bad mouth a company because your didn't but from a authorized vendor so the warranty isn't valid.... I would think Polk would talk about that scenario on their website somewhere......

Oh wait they do......

And oh wait they even list know UNAUTHORIZED RESELLERS.....

Bet you bought it from the unauthorized person because they offered it at a better price..... And now your paying for it.

The fact Polk is taking care of you in spite of your ignorance shows how good if a company they are....

So who did you buy it from and what did you pay.....

Obviously I didn't know it was an unauthorized dealer until I called. I read that ad page which looks like all of the rest and bought it. The page listed the normal warranty, came with the warranty card and it was shipped by Amazon from a big highly reviewed seller. I think I caught it when it dipped under $200. It often fluctuates in price. The woman from PolkAudio is the one who told me the bad news and then proceeded to tell me basically that I have no options but to buy a new one. And yes, maybe they don't have to take care of me, but that's not the best business practice to follow, especially when someone may continue buying their products and recommending them to others. They can at least offer reasonably priced parts for repair if they can't help me out.

Choosing to help me out in my unfortunate situation will not be detrimental to their business, but helpful. I have gotten several other people to buy PolkAudio products due to my recommendations prior to this, so I feel I am a valuable customer worth helping out. I'd love to keep recommending and sticking with their products and will make sure to stick with Authorized dealers from now on. There are other companies out there who help customers in my situations and that's a good thing, not a bad thing. One person who goes out of their way to recommend and sell people on your products through good word-of-mouth is worth keeping. I hope none of you run businesses. lol.

Slayer200923

Kenneth Swauger wrote: »

Hi,
Let's see what we can do. Try removing the woofer's grille cover and take out the screws holding the woofer onto the cabinet. Then use a putty knife and loosen up the woofer from the cabinet and pull the woofer out of the enclosure. Then disconnect the two wires that are attached to the woofer's terminals. Do you happen to have a volt-ohm meter, or could borrow one?
Ken

I can try that, but I don't have a volt-ohm meter or know anyone who has one. Is it a requirement? If so, maybe I can buy one if they're not too costly.

Slayer200923

bobsauto49 wrote: »

No brains,No headaches!:rolleyes:

You must not have anything better to do I take it? :P At least Ken is helpful. Your insults weigh less than sunlight, so if you're trying to bother me you're wasting your time and mine. BTW, 150 IQ here, but I'm sure you think you're perfect and never make any mistakes. Usually people who feel the need to insult are lacking, so I will shrug it off and just laugh. Enjoy you're day, sir.

[Deleted User]

Guys,
How about we ease up on the attack mode and see if we can help this person? Let's try and turn an unfortunate situation into something better for everyone.

Slayer200923,
Your subwoofer has two parts, the bass amplifier and the woofer and, at this point, we're not sure which one is the cause. Once the woofer is removed from the enclosure and unplugged from the bass amplifier we can work to figure it out. If the woofer has a damaged voice coil a resistance measurement (using a volt-ohm meter) would read "0" ohms or a short. They usually sell for less than $20.00 at a Radio Shack.
I hope this is helpful.
Cheers, Ken

Slayer200923

Kenneth Swauger wrote: »

Guys,
How about we ease up on the attack mode and see if we can help this person? Let's try and turn an unfortunate situation into something better for everyone.

Thanks Ken. You didn't need to do that, but I appreciate someone that's being helpful instead of trying to hurl juvenile insults as if they are even remotely effective for anything but a laugh of my own. lol. I personally don't care what anyone on some forum thinks or assumes of me. The memory of their yawn-worthy insults is ephemeral at best.

Slayer200923,
Your subwoofer has two parts, the bass amplifier and the woofer and, at this point, we're not sure which one is the cause. Once the woofer is removed from the enclosure and unplugged from the bass amplifier we can work to figure it out. If the woofer has a damaged voice coil a resistance measurement (using a volt-ohm meter) would read "0" ohms or a short. They usually sell for less than $20.00 at a Radio Shack.
I hope this is helpful.
Cheers, Ken

Thank you for the information. It's very helpful. As it turns out, my good friend actually does own a volt-ohm meter. Once I borrow it I will follow your instructions and get back to you. Have a nice day, Ken.

[Deleted User]

No problem, we'll straighten this out.

boston1450

Ken you do a awesome job helping alot of people on CP & it does make it hard when people join to seek guidance. Thank you for all you do for CP it is appreciated

[Deleted User]

No problem, glad to be of help.

F1nut

Still the best laugh I've had this year.

nguyendot

I'm glad Polk is kind enough to take care of things. Still, if you didn't buy it from Polk (which in this case he did not) - why are they under any obligation to assist you? They are giving you help (at their dime), when they didn't get a single cent from you.

Explain to me why you feel they should go out of their way to help you out? You might as well have purchased a Klipsch or Sony subwoofer and come here asking for assistance - the amount of money they received from those transactions would be exactly the same.

What's next? We going to blame Polk for cancelling all my orders for resale too? Oh.....

boston1450

Doesnt places that sell Polks (unauthorized) offer a limited warranty less than the authorized dealers ?

EndersShadow

boston1450 wrote: »

Doesnt places that sell Polks (unauthorized) offer a limited warranty less than the authorized dealers ?

Yes, but its probably 30 days money back. We are at 7 months out at this point. Plus they may or may not pay for your return shipping or shipping back to you. Both of which can be costly with a sub.

boston1450

i know unauthorized sellers give less warranty.----30days. Thats way too funny. Screw that

ryanmx48

Posted by Ken:

"Guys,
How about we ease up on the attack mode and see if we can help this person? Let's try and turn an unfortunate situation into something better for everyone."


Now, that's what I'm talking about!! Negativity doesn't get anything accomplished!! Thank Ken.


I can speak from my own experience that Polk takes their customer satisfaction very seriously. I hope this works out for you Slayer.

F1nut

ryanmx48 wrote: »

Negativity doesn't get anything accomplished!!

You're directing your comment to the OP because his first post is dripping with it, yes?

Look, all of us here are more than happy to help someone out, many go WAY out of their way to do so, but when someone comes in here blasting both barrels they are going to get gunned down like a rabid dog. Certainly, anyone with an average IQ, such as the OP, should understand that.

Inspector 24

This thread illustrates why Ken has a job. I commend you for your customer service.

F1nut

Ken was the head customer service dude at Polk, he's retired. Now, he gets to babysit all of us. :cheesygrin:

Inspector 24

Aaaaah, the more I learn...

nguyendot

ryanmx48 wrote: »

Posted by Ken:

"Guys,
How about we ease up on the attack mode and see if we can help this person? Let's try and turn an unfortunate situation into something better for everyone."


Now, that's what I'm talking about!! Negativity doesn't get anything accomplished!! Thank Ken.


I can speak from my own experience that Polk takes their customer satisfaction very seriously. I hope this works out for you Slayer.

OP. technically is not a Polk customer since he did not purchase from an authorized dealer.

Jhayman

Who cares, he thought he did...
Ken said to let up so let up and stop complaining if Polk refuses to help or not so be it, it's not your Concern..

nguyendot wrote: »

OP. technically is not a Polk customer since he did not purchase from an authorized dealer.

boston1450

I apologize for my statement above. They had nothing to do with the OP. i was just stating what i thought about other warranty's. i hope he has the problem fixed & enjoys his item & welcome to CP

nguyendot

Jhayman wrote: »

Who cares, he thought he did...
Ken said to let up so let up and stop complaining if Polk refuses to help or not so be it, it's not your Concern..

If people didn't care there wouldn't be a reason for authorized dealers would there? He thought or not changes nothing. Whether Polk takes care of it will prove they are awesome and bending over backwards, but I still feel people shouldn't come in here blasting with a sense of undeserved entitlement.

Ironic you would ask "who cares" then follow up with something about "it's not your Concern". Who? Scroll up.