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25 year warranty – thoughts invited

I've often wondered why despite mega-bucks and assuming mega-reliability why warranties on audiophile gear are so time limited. Surely if the maker, or more relevantly the dealer had true confidence in both the brand and the model they’d be keen to offer something exceptional. However, they rarely do.

So I was surprised and pleased to spot this morning that one of LFD Audio’s retailers is at no extra charge providing a 25 year parts and labour warranty to buyers of new amplification and phono stages. http://lfd4u.com/our-2-service-levels/our-prices-gold-standard/

Apart from Bryston (I think) no one else is offering this. Isn’t it time they did? So why aren't they?

LFD don’t produce anything with movable parts so I guess they wouldn’t get snookered into a 25 year warranty on a laser assembly. Also, if I've read the text correctly the warranty is transferable to each new owner in the 25 year period. Is this a new paradigm, an offer too good to be true – or what? Thoughts invited. Thanks
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onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,234 posts
 
If the members of Audiogon are a reliable sample, then most audiophiles do not hold onto equipment long enough for a 20 year warranty to be a high priority. Still I applaud LFD for making such a strong commitment to their buyers. It's refreshing especially compared to what many companies do with older equipment in need of repair.

Jmcgrogan2, I think you're being naive to think that the money not spent on long-term warranty service is instead spent on better parts.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
11-12-13: Onhwy61
Jmcgrogan2, I think you're being naive to think that the money not spent on long-term warranty service is instead spent on better parts.

Possibly.....or perhaps you are naïve as to the cost of prolonged warranties. There is no free lunch Onhwy61. Sure, the manufacturer could choose to simply pocket the extra money, but those that wish to survive in this business for 25 years will build a better boat with the extra money. ;)
seikosha
218 posts
 
I've got a couple of Decware amplifiers that have a lifetime warranty to the original owner. I think after a certain point though, super long warranties are a little suspect. With the comings and goings of many manufacturers, there's a chance that if you have a product that breaks down 20 years in the future you might not have anywhere to send it to for repair or I suppose there could even be parts issues as well.
bigaitch's avatar
bigaitch OP
39 posts
 
Actually Brf, I disagree slightly. My concern, if I had one (which I don’t) is that a parts makers might cease production of a specific electronic component and that there was / is no similar-sounding substitute. I asked Dr. Bews about this. He has stockpiled quantities of the most characteristic parts inc. tantalum capacitors. Mind you, he also has 6 tonnes of green granite in the factory. My guess is that he’s (a) considering mass-loaded isolation systems or (b) is anticipating nuclear fallout. Finally, his PhD is in loudspeaker design – but he doesn’t market speakers.
bigaitch's avatar
bigaitch OP
39 posts
 
Hello Swampwalker – I agree. Did BMW (in the UK at least) show the way here? Odd then that so few upscale audio makers are not of a similar opinion. As an aside, years back when I was more affluent I owned a used BMW 850CSi. V-12. I took a chance because the previous owner had taken out the BMW transferable warranty. I had the car 18 months and depreciation was only 12% from what I paid. The next owner bought from me, at this highish price because I transferred the warranty to him. Great car incidentally – but needs 2 parking spaces ‘cos of the vast doors.
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