25 year warranty – thoughts invited

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.

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.

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.

Hmm. Curiously un-positive responses so far. The warranty being offered cost the end-user nothing. How bad is that? Mind you, as apparently LFD gear never goes wrong plus the fact that other than laser mechanism, they keep parts for every model they have ever made must surely in these cynical and sceptical times be a positive? One perspective on the responses so far might be that unreliability is to be expected and that a less than positive response by makers just isn’t worth a candle?

Now then, my 25 year old Longines wrist watch went back to the makers who quite clearly in my case didn’t give a damn about service nor repeat business as they had no parts for this ‘old’ analog watch and to build the tiny bit would cost at least $1,200! The message was clear – customer loyalty; who needs it? So I bought a Skagen.

Moreover, surely it makes sense to have a warranty transferable to each subsequent owner in the 25-year period? This must reduce financial depreciation or if you prefer, boost resale values? Am I missing something here?

Incidentally, Jmcgrogan2 I agree that a warranty of any type is no substitute for an unpalatable sound. I wasn’t making that point because as far as I can tell, LFD owners worldwide, if fora are to be believed, are rather content with the sound. Meanwhile ebay appearances of used LFD gear must mean something.

I applaud gear makers who would invest and put forth the confidence in their product with a longer warranty. Yes, the sound must be there of course. Products with a strong warranty I feel are probably made a little stronger too boot. Longer warranties take the sting out of higher priced goods. For myself, warranties are something I consider in a purchase.