Do Scratches On Equiptment Bother You?

jerrymb
jerrymb Posts: 278
edited January 2010 in Electronics
The dust cover on my turntable is scratched even though I never ever put anything on it. The top of my cd changer has several scratches on it and I have never placed anything on it. Same with my speakers. It just bugs the crap out of me.
Jerry
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,102
    edited November 2008
    jerrymb wrote: »
    The dust cover on my turntable is scratched even though I never ever put anything on it. The top of my cd changer has several scratches on it and I have never placed anything on it. Same with my speakers. It just bugs the crap out of me.

    Kill the friggin cat!! :D
    "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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  • BIZILL
    BIZILL Posts: 5,432
    edited November 2008
    that's why i use microfiber towels to clean.

    POLK SDA-SRS 1.2TL -- ADCOM GFA-5802
    PANASONIC PT-AE4000U -- DIY WILSONART DW 135" 2.35:1 SCREEN
     ONKYO TX-SR805
    CENTER: CSI5
    MAINS: RTI8'S
    SURROUNDS: RTI8'S
    7.1 SURROUNDS: RTI6'S
    SUB: SVS PB12-PLUS/2 (12.3 series)
    XBOX 360    WiiPS3/blu-rayTOSHIBA HD-A35 hd dvd

    http://polkarmy.com/forums/index.php
    bobman1235 wrote:
    I have no facts to back that up, but I never let facts get in the way of my arguments.
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  • jerrymb
    jerrymb Posts: 278
    edited November 2008
    That's when the scratches started. When I started using expensive micro fiber cloths!
    Jerry
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited November 2008
    99.9% of the time scratches on the exterior finish of gear have no effect on the sound or video quality of the music and/or movies. The other .1% of the time it's all in your head.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • BIZILL
    BIZILL Posts: 5,432
    edited November 2008
    jerrymb wrote: »
    That's when the scratches started. When I started using expensive micro fiber cloths!

    then you somehow picked up larger than the norm debris. a damp microfiber gently run across the equipment should not scratch the finish. this is true of both my auto paint as well as my piano gloss black ps3 which is prone to scratching.

    POLK SDA-SRS 1.2TL -- ADCOM GFA-5802
    PANASONIC PT-AE4000U -- DIY WILSONART DW 135" 2.35:1 SCREEN
     ONKYO TX-SR805
    CENTER: CSI5
    MAINS: RTI8'S
    SURROUNDS: RTI8'S
    7.1 SURROUNDS: RTI6'S
    SUB: SVS PB12-PLUS/2 (12.3 series)
    XBOX 360    WiiPS3/blu-rayTOSHIBA HD-A35 hd dvd

    http://polkarmy.com/forums/index.php
    bobman1235 wrote:
    I have no facts to back that up, but I never let facts get in the way of my arguments.
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  • Mike Kozak
    Mike Kozak Posts: 931
    edited November 2008
    shack wrote: »
    99.9% of the time scratches on the exterior finish of gear have no effect on the sound or video quality of the music and/or movies. The other .1% of the time it's all in your head.

    Oh, no, there is nothing in my head!!!!
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited November 2008
    Scratches drive me nuts only because they will affect the resale value of the unit.
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited November 2008
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Scratches drive me nuts only because they will affect the resale value of the unit.

    Thats why I usually purchase my equipment pre-scratched. I get it at a rock bottom price and don't have to stress over the first scratch....
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited November 2008
    Yes.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • doug lang
    doug lang Posts: 261
    edited November 2008
    Bought an outlaw pro and the owner said mint condition. Well there was fresh paint all over it to cover the scratches. And a bad match of paint i might say. That went back in a flash. You spend a lot of money and i can't understand the condition of some audio equip. I think of the resale value and of course showing off my system.
    Oppo bdp 93 Blue Ray
    Integra DTR-80-2
    Polk LSi9s (mains)
    Polk LSiC (center)
    Polk LSiFXs (surrounds)
    Sub SVS 20-39+
    Samsung 60" Led 3-d
    Blue Jean Cables
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited November 2008
    BIZILL wrote: »
    that's why i use microfiber towels to clean.

    Same here, also use the ones that are supersoft for camera lens, etc. Hate scrathes and fingerprints too.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • okiepolkie
    okiepolkie Posts: 2,258
    edited November 2008
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Yes.

    Mark, are you saying you are ANAL retentive? I would have never figured that out about you :D

    Zach
    Tschüss
    Zach
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited November 2008
    If the scratches aren't visible (in the front) I don't care. Now seeing fingerprints on the front of my gear drives me nuts!
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,932
    edited November 2008
    Scratches can almost make me want to replace a piece of gear - depending on what it is and the ding...

    My Candela has a 1/8" mark on it on the front - dont know how it happened - but I will forever hate being up close to my Candela... :p
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,986
    edited November 2008
    jerrymb wrote: »
    Do Scratches On Equiptment Bother You?

    A mark here and there, no. A big 'Rokken with Dokken' sticker on the top/side/facia - yeah.

    Cheers,
    Russ
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • okiepolkie
    okiepolkie Posts: 2,258
    edited November 2008
    For me, I don't have a preference overall. I usually don't keep a piece longer than a 6 months before I switch out to the latest and greatest, so if something does get scratched, it isn't around long enough to bother me.
    Tschüss
    Zach
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited November 2008
    okiepolkie wrote: »
    Mark, are you saying you are ANAL retentive? I would have never figured that out about you :D

    Zach

    Absolutely :D
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited November 2008
    ... up the wall.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited November 2008
    It does not bother me in electronics, unless it's in the front and very visible. In speakers, scratches bother me even if they are in the back :confused:
    _________________________________________________
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited November 2008
    Sherardp wrote: »
    Same here, also use the ones that are supersoft for camera lens, etc. Hate scrathes and fingerprints too.

    Finger prints can get you in a lot of trouble depending on where you leave them. Like Doro's equipment:)
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • joeparaski
    joeparaski Posts: 1,865
    edited November 2008
    Wow you guys sure are picky. But...since I have mostly older vintage pieces, I'm quite used to scratches here and there. And since it's almost all rack mounted, I don't see the scratches anyway. Overall, the faces are in pretty good shape.

    So no, the scratches don't bother me.

    Joe
    Amplifiers: 1-SAE Mark IV, 4-SAE 2400, 1-SAE 2500, 2-SAE 2600, 1-Buttkicker BKA 1000N w/2-tactile transducers. Sources: Sony BDP CX7000es, Sony CX300/CX400/CX450/CX455, SAE 8000 tuner, Akai 4000D R2R, Technics 1100A TT, Epson 8500UB with Carada 100". Speakers:Polk SDA SRS, 3.1TL, FXi5, FXi3, 2-SVS 20-29, Yamaha, SVS center sub. Power:2-Monster HTS3500, Furman M-8D & RR16 Plus. 2-SAE 4000 X-overs, SAE 5000a noise reduction, MSB Link DAC III, MSB Powerbase, Behringer 2496, Monarchy DIP 24/96.
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  • bigaudiofanatic
    bigaudiofanatic Posts: 4,415
    edited November 2008
    BIZILL wrote: »
    that's why i use microfiber towels to clean.

    I agree with that 100%
    HT setup
    Panasonic 50" TH-50PZ80U
    Denon DBP-1610
    Monster HTS 1650
    Carver A400X :cool:
    MIT Exp 3 Speaker Wire
    Kef 104/2
    URC MX-780 Remote
    Sonos Play 1

    Living Room
    63 inch Samsung PN63C800YF
    Polk Surroundbar 3000
    Samsung BD-C7900
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,260
    edited November 2008
    I usually hate scratches and marks on my stuff, a bit like that first door ding somebody leaves on your new car (there has to be a special place in hell for those offenders). I have been known to buy spare parts from Polk for a grille that has a snag on it, even if the spare part stays safely packaged for future use "just in case", so that I know I can restore it to mint condition if I so choose. Kinda stupid, really, but that's me! YMMV.

    That said, my h/k AVR has a light scuff mark on the aluminium (lower gray) part of the front panel. It is so faint and the sound has been so excellent IMO (for an entry level receiver) that it has never really bothered me like I thought it might.

    I do try to keep finger prints under control. I imagine LSi owners can have a hard time keeping things in order sometimes.
    Alea jacta est!
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  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited November 2008
    Scratches are inevitable. I hate them, but it really depends on what equipment and where and the circumstance on how they got there.

    IF I paid for a used peice of equipment or furniture and I know it ahead of time-I'm OK with it. If its represented as better than actual or perfect-it irks me.

    If I buy something new-I expect it to be perfect. If I scratch it, that sucks but at least I know I did it. I don't take may car to an automatic car wash (scratch box). If I do its only the water jets only to get the major dirt off-I refuse the towel drying (yeah its amazing how little the water jets do when its not towel dryed). I then hand wash it myself at home.

    On the other hand, I personally prefer equipment or devices that are not prone to fingerprints or spider scratches-can't stand having to baby some things like my 5th Gen iPod or my SB Duet controller. I prefer a flat or satin finish that won't show scratches or prints.

    If the scratches are on a piece of gear in a rack, as long as the marks aren't on the front face-I don't mind so much, even if more than minor. But I don't like a fingerprint marred anything.

    If the equipment is meant to be displayed, even if miirroed, etc-I like it near perfect for display.

    Of course I have two boys (5 and 3), aka maniacs that absolutely love to torment me and put thier butter noodle/melted chocolate no fork using hands all over everything they can possibly get thier hands on, especially the all glass doors that are plentiful about the house. So I'm a bit numb/desensitized right now to most prints but they still irk me. :eek: All the chips and dings in my nice wood tables and entertainment center are not making me very happy either. :mad:

    Oh the LSi-9's yeah I'm almost afraid to touch them-the dust will keep those dust magnets safe with a layer of protection ;):D

    I'm amazed however at these heavily laquered tables at the food court in the mall. They look super smooth and scratchless. With such abuse and high traffic I am simply amazed. Now that would be a cool coating for equipment. Dip the cases in lacquer, then somehow adjust the finish to avoid fingerprints. :D
    ____________________
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    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
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  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,105
    edited November 2008
    Sharpie !, they bother me but I touch up with a sharpie
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,229
    edited November 2008
    I used to be super anal about my gear. I still am to a point but I don't stress over if anything happens anymore. Life is to short to worry about the little things.

    Scratches on top of gear you can't see when Installed mean nothing to me. Bottoms and back of speakers who cares as long as they perform exactly the way they are suppose to I'm cool.

    Going further wire and cables appearance don't tickle me anymore. I'd rather have all black wires with no design at all . I used to love braided wires and cool looking connectors. They just have to perform there job correctly and I'm cool.

    I used to be into changin it up, going silver and all that, now I prefer just plain black gear with maybe cool blue lights. The blue lights still get me a little.

    A good looking pair of speakers still tickle me. It's hard not to get all into a killer looking pair of speakers. I like them more then a cool amp or pre.

    Scratches suck but don't stop the gear from doing there job.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • Ron-P
    Ron-P Posts: 8,520
    edited November 2008
    Do Scratches On Equipment Bother You?
    Nope, most of my gear came pre-scratched as I buy most everything used.
    If...
    Ron dislikes a film = go out and buy it.
    Ron loves a film = don't even rent.
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  • TNRabbit
    TNRabbit Posts: 2,168
    edited November 2008
    shack wrote: »
    99.9% of the time scratches on the exterior finish of gear have no effect on the sound or video quality of the music and/or movies. The other .1% of the time it's all in your head.
    McLoki wrote: »
    Thats why I usually purchase my equipment pre-scratched. I get it at a rock bottom price and don't have to stress over the first scratch....
    Willow wrote: »
    Sharpie !, they bother me but I touch up with a sharpie
    Ron-P wrote: »
    Nope, most of my gear came pre-scratched as I buy most everything used.

    x4....

    that said, GETTING the scratches on your "equipment" is usually more fun than the aftermath....if ya know what I mean.....
    TNRabbit
    NO Polk Audio Equipment :eek:
    Sunfire TG-IV
    Ashly 1001 Active Crossover
    Rane PEQ-15 Parametric Equalizers x 2
    Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Seven
    Carver AL-III Speakers
    Klipsch RT-12d Subwoofer
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  • Fongolio
    Fongolio Posts: 3,516
    edited November 2008
    A scratch on the equipment doesn't bother me. A scratch on my vinyl can make me need therapy.
    SDA-1C (full mods)
    Carver TFM-55
    NAD 1130 Pre-amp
    Rega Planar 3 TT/Shelter 501 MkII
    The Clamp
    Revox A77 Mk IV Dolby reel to reel
    Thorens TD160/Mission 774 arm/Stanton 881S Shibata
    Nakamichi CR7 Cassette Deck
    Rotel RCD-855 with modified tube output stage
    Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus
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    Ben's IC's
    Nitty Gritty 1.5FI RCM
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  • TNRabbit
    TNRabbit Posts: 2,168
    edited November 2008
    Fongolio wrote: »
    A scratch on the equipment doesn't bother me. A scratch on my vinyl can make me need therapy.

    Especially when it a DEEP one; it's like a grenade going off!
    TNRabbit
    NO Polk Audio Equipment :eek:
    Sunfire TG-IV
    Ashly 1001 Active Crossover
    Rane PEQ-15 Parametric Equalizers x 2
    Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Seven
    Carver AL-III Speakers
    Klipsch RT-12d Subwoofer
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