Expectations for warranty repair timing

Depends on the company. In two instances I've had my gear back from repair inside of a week. That was exceptional. Once I brought a preamp direct to the manufacturer over my lunch break. They corrected an issue while I waited. 

Other repairs were between 1-2 weeks. I would think that is the norm unless the company is a one or two man shop. 

You are so right lousyreeds1, a little communication would go a long way in these matters. It never ceases to amaze me how poorly so many companies perform with regard to keeping customers informed about the status of orders, repairs, etc. 

Yes, it’s good to know with whom you’re dealing and how they deal with issues. The reputation for the sonic quality of the product has little to do with what it’s going to be like if there’s a problem.

I bought a pair of speakers from a builder who enjoyed a cult-like following on these forums. Hooking up the speakers for the first time fried one channel on my amp. It seemed obvious there was an internal short in the speaker but the builder at first resisted any implication that there could possibly be an issue with one of his speakers.

What followed was nine months of frustration. I shipped the speakers to him using his, very expensive, choice of shippers, but never got an update from him unless I called and asked.

First, the woofer was unavailable from his distributor, though it was a standard model Morel woofer easily available from any number of sources.

Then the issue was that the cryo lab had "lost" the new crossover. (I’d stupidly agreed to an upgrade as part of the deal.) How can you lose a crossover in a cryo chamber? Is a cryo chamber bigger than my microwave oven?

Other issues ensued, and after nine months I finally got back the speakers. By that time I’d bought a pair of DeVore Eights and when the repaired, upgraded, cryoed speakers arrived I was able to A/B them with the DeVores. No contest. At the same price the DeVores were dramatically better.

Sorry about this long rant but this has been irritating me for a long time.

 
photon46 said- 

"You are so right lousyreeds1, a little communication would go a long way in these matters. It never ceases to amaze me how poorly so many companies perform with regard to keeping customers informed about the status of orders, repairs, etc."

when my Bricasti DAC went in for repair I was advised when it arrived, when it was diagnosed, when it was fixed, and when it was shipped. From the time it left my house until I was received back by me, it was just a handful of days- I think I was without the DAC 3 days. 

Most of the high end equipment builders are a small to very very small businesses. I had an amp back to the very small business for repair with the builder. It was about 4 months to get it back. It was a routine repair. He repaired it and tested it for a couple of days. I didn't mind one bit. It is an excellent amp and the builder was honest in letting me know it would be a while. I know I do not like to rush a repair or even an original build. And a very small business that stays busy because people are happy to give them business I know it can take a while to get items cared for.