LSiM703 Speakers from non-authorized Ebay Vendor

msg

Hey guys,
at the risk of complete embarrassment of a potential bonehead maneuver, I'm going to share a bit of situational information here.

I just ordered a pair of LSiM703 speakers from an Ebay vendor. They were cheaper than others. I didn't realize this at the time of order, but it turns out there's a difference between Polk Authorized Dealers and non-authorized, and a whole slew of risks that go along with buying through non-authorized. I'm in talks trying to get the order cancelled, but it may be too late.

My question is this - have any of your purchased through non-authorized dealers?
If so, what have your experiences been?
My concern is for genuine, reliable, non-inferior product.

I literally had no idea this would be an issue and that this sort of thing goes on.

Upstatemax

I would be shocked if they were fake or anything like that...

Largest issue is that Polk does not have to honor any warranty with them.

With that said, I would try my best to cancel the order and order from an authorized dealer. Polk has a good warranty, tough to give up that kind of peace of mind.

EndersShadow

^Agreed.

I doubt they are going to be fakes. They are probably the real deal, and should work just fine. At issue is if you have any problems with them during the normal warranty period (5 years IIRC), which you would NOT have coverage for you would be out of pocket any repair or parts cost.

Some folks are willing to take that risk to save a couple bucks, and sometimes they are fine and nothing ever goes wrong, but if it does, then they are out replacement parts at cost.

If you have the difference, and need the piece of mind, I say buy from an authorized dealer. If your feeling lucky "punk", then roll the dice

Please note the sentence above was meant as a funny way of adding a movie quote in and not meant to demean the original poster

F1nut

It's called the gray market. The items are real, but do not come with the factory warranty.

msg

all good info, guys, thanks, and even a chuckle in there (Ender)

yes, gray market - I remember first coming across this term with some camera gear through B&H years ago. bought a lens, saved a few bucks, no issues. bought a flash saved a few bucks - had an intermittent connectivity issue with the hotshoe. these speakers were more than a few bucks difference, though.

pretty sure it's already in transit at this point, 25% restocking fee, etc. I guess if I pushed the matter I could get it worked out. I'll see what the seller has to say when I hear back.

as for cost - this set was basically 1/3 less. I was looking around trying to find a used pair locally, and there weren't any available. closest guy was 5hrs away and was asking more than these "new" ones cost. there are a lot more out West, but the couple of guys I spoke with didn't want to deal with the hassle of shipping. I read that the Polk speaker warranties aren't transferable anyway, so I guess it's pretty much the same thing, presuming a "used" pair was original in the first place.

scottyboy76

EndersShadow wrote: »

^Agreed.

I doubt they are going to be fakes. They are probably the real deal, and should work just fine. At issue is if you have any problems with them during the normal warranty period (5 years IIRC), which you would NOT have coverage for you would be out of pocket any repair or parts cost.

Some folks are willing to take that risk to save a couple bucks, and sometimes they are fine and nothing ever goes wrong, but if it does, then they are out replacement parts at cost.

If you have the difference, and need the piece of mind, I say buy from an authorized dealer. If your feeling lucky "punk", then roll the dice

Please note the sentence above was meant as a funny way of adding a movie quote in and not meant to demean the original poster

Sounds pretty intentionally offensive, if you ask me.

msg

haha
>> "I'm not trying to start anything, but I wouldn't take that crap if I were you..."

msg

so I heard back from the seller today, and they're being fairly cooperative.
they're telling me that there is a 5 year factory direct warranty, and that the product is factory sealed in the box, etc.

how can this be?

Polk Authorized Dealers - http://www.polkaudio.com/where-to-buy/online
Non-Authorized - http://www.polkaudio.com/where-to-buy/unauthorized-dealers.php

The Ebay seller I am dealing with is infiniti-electronics.
Polk lists an Infinity Electronics as an unauthorized dealer, but not an Infiniti Electronics. The former is based out of Florida and their website lists Polk as a "partner", but anyone can slap a logo on a web page. Regardless, the vendor I'm dealing with is not on the authorized list, and I would presume that if I need service, Polk will ask me for proof of purchase, or that it will be required for warranty registration in the first place, and if not purchased from an authorized dealer, the warranty will be void.


Not sure what to do at this point.
All I know is that I've decided I'd rather have Mahogany anyway, over the Cherry.

==================================================

Okay, so quick update while I was writing this.
I phoned in to Polk directly, told them of my situation, and asked specifically about the warranty. I was told that yes, correct, if not purchased through a dealer on on their list, Polk will not honor the warranty, and that any warranty offered is through the vendor/dealer. Not feeling quite comfortable with this, so pursuing return with vendor. Kinda feel like I should offer to pay for the original shipping charges, even though they shipped for free, and obviously the return shipping.

This does beg the question though. If genuine product and factory sealed, why wouldn't someone go this route and save 1/3? Afterall, they're speakers. Do they ever really fail in under 5 years?

boston1450

Insurance & yes they do

msg

Okay, yeah, I'm decided now. definitely going the authorized route.
I'm to contact the vendor tomorrow to work out the RMA details.

thanks for the feedback and input, fellas.

xftman

msg wrote: »

Okay, yeah, I'm decided now. definitely going the authorized route.
I'm to contact the vendor tomorrow to work out the RMA details.

thanks for the feedback and input, fellas.

Wow! Who will pay for the round trip shipping? If you pay for the shipping + Difference buy from an authorized dealer + sales tax you end up almost pay double what you pay from a Ebay. Is it realy worthy to pay that kind of extra to get the warranty?

Just my 2 cents.

nguyendot

xftman wrote: »

Wow! Who will pay for the round trip shipping? If you pay for the shipping + Difference buy from an authorized dealer + sales tax you end up almost pay double what you pay from a Ebay. Is it realy worthy to pay that kind of extra to get the warranty?

Just my 2 cents.

up to him to decide. The warranty is worth a lot.

jtshaw43

Be careful, i know someone who bought a set of 707's from infiniti electronics.one of his speakers had a big ding in the side of it. Infiniti electronics said it happened during shipping. So they had ups pick it up for return. My friend had to wait almost 2 months (from the day ups picked up the speaker) for infiniti electronics to ship him another 707! If that was'nt bad enough, once he got his replacement 707. The bottom woofer had been glued together! #smh...i

xftman

jtshaw43 wrote: »

Be careful, i know someone who bought a set of 707's from infiniti electronics.one of his speakers had a big ding in the side of it. Infiniti electronics said it happened during shipping. So they had ups pick it up for return. My friend had to wait almost 2 months (from the day ups picked up the speaker) for infiniti electronics to ship him another 707! If that was'nt bad enough, once he got his replacement 707. The bottom woofer had been glued together! #smh...i

But this has nothing to do with warranty!

eclypse

Yup I thought of that route but glad I didn't.. Want to save some money buy from Polks ebay store!

northernwind

Just a heads up.I also brought from ebay infinit electronics and my lsim 703 came perfect.

badchad

Personally, I've bought every single piece of equipment in my rig used, except my TV and Oppo and haven't had any issues (yet).

Got my FXiA6's right here from the classifieds, and routinely peruse Audiogon and other sites. As someone else said, you gotta decide how much the warranty is worth to you.

msg

xftman wrote: »

Wow! Who will pay for the round trip shipping? If you pay for the shipping + Difference buy from an authorized dealer + sales tax you end up almost pay double what you pay from a Ebay. Is it realy worthy to pay that kind of extra to get the warranty?

I have considered this. the whole thing got me pretty spooked. I've had more than one person mention horror stories to me about dealings with non-authorized dealers as of late.

nguyendot wrote: »

up to him to decide. The warranty is worth a lot.

It only matters if you have a problem. question is, just how prone are these speakers to malfunction. they seem pretty advanced these days, so I can't exactly compare against my 20+ year old floor speakers.

jtshaw43 wrote: »

Be careful, i know someone who bought a set of 707's from infiniti electronics.one of his speakers had a big ding in the side of it. Infiniti electronics said it happened during shipping. So they had ups pick it up for return. My friend had to wait almost 2 months (from the day ups picked up the speaker) for infiniti electronics to ship him another 707! If that was'nt bad enough, once he got his replacement 707. The bottom woofer had been glued together! #smh...i

see!!! that's crazy.

eclypse wrote: »

Yup I thought of that route but glad I didn't.. Want to save some money buy from Polks ebay store!

yes, thanks, I checked there - they only have one in stock right now (midnight mahogany), and said it's pretty popular and they're hoping to have more in by beginning of next month.

northernwind wrote: »

Just a heads up.I also brought from ebay infinit electronics and my lsim 703 came perfect.

dammit. I thought I had my mind made up. hehe

badchad wrote: »

Personally, I've bought every single piece of equipment in my rig used, except my TV and Oppo and haven't had any issues (yet).
Got my FXiA6's right here from the classifieds, and routinely peruse Audiogon and other sites. As someone else said, you gotta decide how much the warranty is worth to you.

I don't have any problem buying used, providing it's used prices and the product is working properly and not a risky purchase with a flakey product. that's really the only time the warranty matters, imo.

this is all great feedback, guys, thanks to everyone for their contributions.
I'm really on the fence about this. was feeling pretty spooked yesterday, but after hearing more input of others not having probs, and sleeping on it and gaining some perspective, I'm not as weirded out and am thinking twice about this return now. I'm more just wishing I'd ordered the mahogany instead. return shipping and taking the hit on initial shipping on the refund will be $100 minimum, I'm thinking, and that's if they don't sock me for the restocking fee. I don't want to have to get Ebay/PayPal involved, etc. I might just be better off trying these out, seeing how they go, and selling locally if I really want to switch to the mahogany. warranty is void to a second owner anyway, so wouldn't weigh on my conscience to sell them. just a thought. they're due to arrive today. I'll post up when I decide what I'm doing.

jtshaw43

No it doesnt have anything to do with warranty.... It has all to do with infiniti electronics ( THE SAME EBAY SELLER HE PURCHASED HIS 703'S FROM) integrity! Replacing a damaged speaker with one that has been glued together!!!!

msg

speakers arrived earlier this morning.
sitting in the shipping box, unopened, while I wait to hear back from the vendor on the RMA details.
killing me ♪should I stay or should I go now♫
trying to decide.

keep, audition, sell locally when mahogany comes in. risk the off chance that they're screwy.
return, and have nothing until mahogany comes in.

eclypse

Your out the same either way right? Or do they charge you more for opening the box?

I have the color your looking for.. I was disappointed in the lack of visable wood grain. If you looking for basicly black then go for it.. If you want something that looks like wood then keep the cherry.

I'd say at this point it would be killing me with that box just sitting there waiting for someone to open it! haha..

Lifes short man.. i'd crack it open and injoy!

F1nut

and have nothing until mahogany comes in.

The color is midnight mahogany, the veneer is not mahogany and they are basically black as eclypse states unless you shine a very bright light on them and then they look rather purple.

eclypse

F1nut wrote: »

The color is midnight mahogany, the veneer is not mahogany and they are basically black as eclypse states unless you shine a very bright light on them and then they look rather purple.

That's a dead on description! Nice.

F1nut

On those speakers the black dye is mixed into the clear coat to obtain an even color tone and to speed up the finishing process. It's very common in factory made furniture, speakers, etc. The problem is that most black dyes are not truly black under strong light, but more pruple. In fact, I know of only one black dye that is truly black and it's not cheap.

nooshinjohn

F1nut wrote: »

On those speakers the black dye is mixed into the clear coat to obtain an even color tone and to speed up the finishing process. It's very common in factory made furniture, speakers, etc. The problem is that most black dyes are not truly black under strong light, but more pruple. In fact, I know of only one black dye that is truly black and it's not cheap.

Sounds like you might also know where to find the fabled black paint?

msg

eclypse wrote: »

Your out the same either way right? Or do they charge you more for opening the box?
I have the color your looking for.. I was disappointed in the lack of visable wood grain. If you looking for basicly black then go for it.. If you want something that looks like wood then keep the cherry.
I'd say at this point it would be killing me with that box just sitting there waiting for someone to open it! haha..
Lifes short man.. i'd crack it open and injoy!

oh wow, really? I was scouring photos on the web and thought they looked like dark wood, but yeah, that could have been the lighting.
If I open them, they'll no longer be factory sealed, they'll be used, and I think I'd have a more difficult time with the return.
and dude, it is killing me
it's an exercise in patience. or maybe I'm just a ****. haha

F1nut wrote: »

The color is midnight mahogany, the veneer is not mahogany and they are basically black as eclypse states unless you shine a very bright light on them and then they look rather purple.

that must be what I'm seeing in the photos.
are any of these veneers the kind of wood they are calling the finish? or just finished to look like those woods?

F1nut wrote: »

On those speakers the black dye is mixed into the clear coat to obtain an even color tone and to speed up the finishing process. It's very common in factory made furniture, speakers, etc. The problem is that most black dyes are not truly black under strong light, but more pruple. In fact, I know of only one black dye that is truly black and it's not cheap.

dude. how do you know all this stuff?!? haha, I just had this vision of a person sitting in some dark, cavernous control room under a mountain somewhere, with 50 wall mounted monitors displaying various worldly content, rocking back in a chair behind an all stainless steel control center. stroking a cat, of course.


grrrrt. wellt, cherry goes with black, too, which is what the RTi10s are, and what the stands will be, and probably my component rack and stand. it just looks out of place/mismatched when it's near other wood, imo. I'll think on it today. I'm having to haggle with the vendor on the return. they typically charge a 20% restocking fee, but I can't pay that in addition to return shipping and compensating him for initial shipping, which is only fair; not worth it. they've been open and cooperative so far, so I can't say a bad word about them at this point.

Loud & Clear

Yeah, buy the midnight mahogany with the assumption that you're buying black speakers. I happen to think they look excellent, largely due to the shape I suppose. While my eyes are more attracted to the cherry, I realized that that color just doesn't go as well with the remained of my theater schemes. Black will always work, so they'll never be an eyesore should you move or redecorate. The sound? Just fantastic, for both theater and music. I'll be very surprised if you don't really enjoy them. Make the right choice for the long term. A couple of weeks of wait won't mean a thing a year from now.

msg

Loud & Clear wrote: »

Yeah, buy the midnight mahogany with the assumption that you're buying black speakers. I happen to think they look excellent, largely due to the shape I suppose. While my eyes are more attracted to the cherry, I realized that that color just doesn't go as well with the remained of my theater schemes. Black will always work, so they'll never be an eyesore should you move or redecorate. The sound? Just fantastic, for both theater and music. I'll be very surprised if you don't really enjoy them. Make the right choice for the long term. A couple of weeks of wait won't mean a thing a year from now.

yeah, this is what I was thinking too. I originally wanted cherry, but then realized after the order that I preferred the darker wood look because it goes better with most stuff, especially other wood if it's nearby.

I'm thinking I might just stick with the cherry ones I just received from the Ebay vendor, and if the color really bugs me I'll look for a used pair later. you know, just take my lumps for this lack of proper thought/insight, get into them now, and not waste anymore time or money right now. still torn, though. I dislike hassles, but this was my fault.

F1nut

msg wrote: »

are any of these veneers the kind of wood they are calling the finish? or just finished to look like those woods?

Some are, others are not. Other than the LSiM's is there a speaker you want to know about?

dude. how do you know all this stuff?!?

It's what I do.

haha, I just had this vision of a person sitting in some dark, cavernous control room under a mountain somewhere, with 50 wall mounted monitors displaying various worldly content, rocking back in a chair behind an all stainless steel control center. stroking a cat, of course.

I'm bad, I'm nationwide. :cheesygrin:

dhart86

OOPs

dhart86

f1nut wrote: »

i'm bad, i'm nationwide. :cheesygrin:

indeed!!!