Russian Tube Preamp, No Return, Here I go again

I just started a claim via eBay, seller has until 5-6-21. Then eBay gets involved. I will call my credit card company to see how they can help if needed.

I have documented things VERY well, photos, recap of all messages, videos of noise at low/mid/high volumes. I have original undamaged shipping box.
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How did I make this mistake?????

Initially all I wanted was a small tube MM phono eq for my office system.

Saw this. I liked its size to fit on top of or in my bookcase. More inputs: I could also run the R2R tape thru it. Wood ends (I would have replaced with my own thicker wood).

this caught my eye: ... "analogue of the famous M-7 preamplifier from Mr. Hiroyashi Kondo". I checked HK out, impressive ...

Photo of innards: Admit it, a LOT of expensive equipment looks similar inside, nice transformer, alps vol pot, ... yes this is a kit look. Tubes, not a hybrid. Soft start, remote volume ...

Hmm, tubes: I could drag my 1958 Fisher 80z mono blocks out (still can of course).

https://www.google.com/search?q=fisher+80z+amplifier&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS881US881&sxsrf=ALeKk029...

Past luck: JVC big plinth and TT81 from Russian in Canada. Long Russian Tonearm from NewArtVinyl

http://newartvinyl.ru/board/detali_proigryvatelja/tonarm_black_bird12_5_carbon/7-1-0-41

and, I think I discovered, the RISK was part of it.

You win some, you lose some (hopefully not too many).

You don't have to explain anything to paypal if for whatever reason you're not happy with purchase. This is why there is a buyer's protection program. I don't think seller will argue as they can block his account.

The problem is not a nationality of the seller or his country, the problem is equipment. 

You could buy something from reputable designer or brand. 

With the chassis open to view, pick the unit up and give it a good shake. Do you see any parts moving around?  Turn it upside down; does anything hang down or fall out on the floor? I am sure the actual problem is minor and due to something having come loose or a solder joint having weakened during shipment.  If he's honest, I feel bad for the seller.

chackster,

Thanks for your advice as always.

I made my claim through eBay (eBay sold paypal I was told).

Payment was FROM my Chase credit card. I called Chase. They were already aware of the dispute thru eBay, and assure me if seller does not refund, they will credit the charge back to me.

lewm,

l feel bad for the seller also, I have to believe it was ok when he shipped it. However, you will see below, seller is not blameless. Here's the text of my claim to eBay:

"Reason for return: Doesn't work or defectiveComments:

Item ordered 2-12-21; arrived safely, no package damage 4-23-21

No power cord for USA provided, I purchased correct power cord.

No instructions for tube locations. I waited until seller provided photo (attached), then installed the 4 tubes (types were marked by masking tape).

Connected 4-24-21 DEFECT: Item makes Hum/Hiss NOISE. Noise increases with Volume, both channels, even when no equipment connected, just the unit connected to my amplifier (my amp has no noise, nor does any of my equipment, you hear just the music).

Informed seller of defect, many messages, attempts, all failed to eliminate the noise. Looked inside, found loose ground wire (see photo). Connected wire as per seller s instructions: noise actually increased slightly.

I made 3 videos of noise: low/mid/high volume, sent to seller. I made a recap of messages, 4-25-21 to last night 4-29-21, a WORD DOC I can provide.

Unit sold as NEW. Actually 7 months old, see date on loose wore photo. Seller messaged: preamp used in his home, (see photo with his Cat laying on top).

I request full refund including shipping cost: $533.13

IF the seller wants the item returned, I have his original undamaged shipping box and can pack it as received. Seller would need to prepay for return shipping.

NOTE: I should receive refund NOW. It takes over two months to send usa to russia. I need the refund NOW to buy a preamp to listen to my music!

regards, Elliott"
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that's a recap of a whole lotta messages. I, and they suspect it is one of the Russian tubes (that have no substitute). IF they had offered spares, (or simply included spares, they are very cheap over there), then I could test/prove that. I'm not waiting months to find out, so I made my claim.

the 3 Russian tubes did not look new, no boxes, they had masking tape with numbers on them. The 12ax7 EH is new, and I of course tested it, and tried one of my own just to be sure.