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Class D Audio Brand does not honor warranty---AVOID!!

About a year and a half ago, I purchased a budget two channel class d amp from the internet company with the same name, "Class D Audio", and wanted to warn others of my bad experience. 

After about year of using the amp, I started to get static and other nasty sounds coming from my speakers. After checking and confirming that is was the amp and not any other components, I sent it back for repair under warranty. The owner, Tom, was my contact person, as well as the person that checked it out.

Tom said he found nothing wrong with it after thoroughly looking it over and assured me it was fine. After about three weeks he returned it, but it wasn't fixed. In fact, it was probably worse. After again checking all my equipment out, I was certain that the amp was defective.

I contacted Tom about the problem, asking for some guidance about what to do next, but he initially didn't return my emails. After over two weeks he finally emailed me and again insisted that the amp checked out fine. 
I said that I wanted to send it back, but Tom again took a long time to get back. In fact I had to send him several emails. When he did, he said he had a family problem, and that he was having a difficult time returning emails. I told Tom I was sorry for his troubles and to take a LITTLE TIME if he needed it, but emphasized that I needed this fixed asap. (It had been months now since it was fully functional.)

That was the last I heard from Tom. I emailed him a couple of times, with no response, so I've given up. He stated that the warranty is three years, but he he avoids customers like the plague if they have any problems.

His website is still up, so I don't think he's out of business.
Anyone have any idea what's going on,or had a similar experience?
This guy is a deadbeat as far as I'm concerned.


jonasandezekiel
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,607 posts
 
czar,

Its still the amp to blame if more susceptible to noise issues. Just saying that its not unheard of for some Class D architecture switching amps to be the source of noise. It happens. These amps switch at very high frequency. Noise suppression is part of the design. Its not an issue I find with newer better designs (which are perhaps the quietest overall of any I have heard over the years) but can be with older lesser ones perhaps even if operating "properly". If that’s the case there are ways to determine it and possibly address as well as I outlined above. If it turns out to be par for the course and cannot be addressed, then time for a different Class D or other amp I would say.

If the vendor is not being helpful in any way to address noise issues might be time to look elsewhere.

I've had excellent success overall including with noise with both my Bel Canto Class D amps, both older ref1000m monoblocks and newer C5i integrated and can easily recommend Bel Canto, though these cost a bit more.    Class D brand/company amps are perhaps lowest cost overall of any popular in these parts.   Dealing with noise issues might well be part of the deal with them.  But have not heard or used them so do not know for sure.
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Their website indicates " We also provide customer service and support that's second to none. " They have a testimonials section where seemingly anyone can post a review. It is certainly suspicious that of those that have posted, the score is 10/10. 

One suggestion I have depends on whether or not you have access to a known good electronics repair facility. Granted, the item is under warranty and you shouldn't have to pay anything. Also their range of products is relatively inexpensive to begin with. Nevertheless, if you were otherwise happy with the sound/purchase prior to having the problem, an electronic repair shop may be able to diagnose for $75 or so and then apply that to whatever fix may be needed. Then submit your bill to classd or you can take other legal action such as small claims court because at that point you would have a reputable place that verified there was a problem and classd who said there was none. Just my .02.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,607 posts
 
OP if vendor says amps are working as they should, might be worth while to take up the noise issue with them specifically and ask for advice on how to best diagnose and address it. They should know their products best.

If they say its operating normally and you hear the noise, then that just means that the amp has noise issues when operating properly. They should offer to help resolve it. Maybe even let you return and offer some kind of refund if unit can no longer function at the same level as it did for you earlier. If not, then live and learn and move on I would say. Lessons learned by all. You should be able to post a suitable review to their site if they offer public reviews there. If not, then something is surely rotten in Denmark.  You might be able to take some kind of legal action but have to judge whether that has needed value for you.  It may not be worth the time and aggravation especially if the amp did not cost much.   Its a very personal decision at that point. 
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,515 posts
 
This is the prime reason I stay away from small audio companies like this,  The customer is usually left in the lurch when problems arise.  Any company can give a 3 year warranty, but not all of them will honor it.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Buy from a known Co in the future sorry about your problem.
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