2. misc-audio
  3. 174534-102527

Buyer Dispute

I would like to have some opinions of a remedy for this issue:

I purchased a pair of B&W 804D3 loudspeakers through Audiogon in August 2021. They were shipped in original containers by freight. The boxes arrived damaged with some holes in the boxes, but no damage to the speakers accept for one very small spot, which could be repaired with a drop of stain. However, neither tweeter was functioning. A multimeter revealed an open circuit across both voice coils. The seller said that they worked before shipping but offered to send me replacement tweeters under the previous owner' warranty which I agreed to. However, and here is the rub; Because of supply chain issues, Bowers and Wilkins did not, and still does not have the tweeters in stock. I have been waiting 6 months for the seller to provide the replacements from B&W, but they continue to be out of stock. In short, I paid nearly $7,000 in August 2021 for speakers that I still cannot listen to.

Any opinion on a path to resolution?

 

kirbymydog
kirbymydog OP
36 posts
 

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and input. Many of you provided thoughtful discussions which has helped me formulate my approach to this issue.

 

grislybutter
2,802 posts
 

this is a fraud. He sold you something he KNEW was defective. He is not a potato farmer, he is in the audio business. 

Your easiest remedy is small claims court. It takes some work, but he will likely want to avoid it, it's a good deterrent.

grislybutter
2,802 posts
 

I am also surprised there was no insurance for the shipping of such expensive items

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,932 posts
 

No insurance? That's absolutely negligent.

geof3
1,127 posts
 

There is a pair of tweeters for the D3s on eBay, right now. Not cheap. Have the seller refund the amount you need to buy them, plus a 10% PITA fee and install them and call it good. There are SO many things that can go wrong if you send those speakers back. He could claim damage etc… potential nightmare. If he doesn’t agree to make the above happen, take steps then protect yourself. The above idea is the easiest, cleanest way out. Any other way is a potential nut roll.

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