What would you do?

I don't know who's at fault here other than the shipping company. The dealer offered to come out and completely fix the problem. Given that, I don't see that there is a problem. You could return them and buy the Polk's like Rok2id says, but they can get damaged in shipping, as well. Then what? Is Matthew Polk going to come to your house and fix them for you? I doubt it.

I say keep the speakers you just bought. I'm sure they sound a hell of a lot better than some pair of crappy Polks. As far as cars go, I don't feel that its any of my business (or anyone else’s, for that matter), to suggest what you should drive. I'm willing to bet, though, given your choice in audio equipment, that you don't have to settle for a crappy BMW 5 series either.

Rok2id,

"In the same vein, I have noticed that there seems to be a lot more problems with the high-end stuff than there is with 'mid-fi' equipment."

I'm not saying that you are wrong, but can you tell us where get that information from? Its an interesting statement.

If the manufacturer in fact did not pack the speakers with plastic protectors for the mid drivers, as you say, then they made a mistake. One of the drivers is not perfect and has a dent. How often in these forums do we discuss proper packing? The Manufacturer should not get a pass. If the Manufacturer didn't provide all the packing materials, they need to do whatever is necessary to satisfy the buyer.

I would expect perfection for $50000.

As long as the problem gets fixed correctly in a timely manner that is probably the best you can hope for short of returning for a refund if that is an option.

I would ask the manufacturer to guarentee that the replacement drivers will be matched and demand an extra year of warranty in writing. Truthfully crap happens. Hense the warranty. If you feel that you will always be unhappy then the dealer should arrange for an exchange or refund. At that price level you should be 100% satisfied. Those speakers probably cost the mfg. 30-40% of the selling price if not less. If they mis packed them then they should stand behind it. But that call is yours to make. If you know that you will be happy getting the replacement drivers then by all means get them and enjoy the music. I doubt you will ever have any further issues. But if you will always listen with a critical ear thinking 'these don't sound right', or 'what was that, did you hear that' then talk about exchange. Spending that kind of money the dealer should want to make you happy and be in your corner against the mfr. on your behalf. After all you sent him a check they sent him an invoice. As mentioned above they should be as new from the factory, same solder, hardware etc. You didn't spend 50K on a repaired pair, you saved and bought new. I would think at least you should get the new drivers and demo unit sales discount. This is just my opinion, but money comes hard and we save for lifes little treats and rewards, be it a new car, boat or speakers. We never dream of a scratched 'vette, cracked hull, or dented drivers. Even if it is a 300.00 Denon receiver, if you ordered new you should get new. Best Wishes

What would I do? Have the factory or its authorized agent fix them. It could be a simple fix, or it could get complicated. You may have to send both speakers back to the factory, or it could be done in your home in 30 minutes. It depends upon the speaker.

Should you get a new set of speakers? Not unless the factory cannot fix the pair you have.

Your having to wait 6 months and the price you paid have no relevance to the dealer/manufacturer being able to deliver to you a set of working speakers in new condition.

Questions: were the speakers delivered directly to you or to the dealer? Who uncovered the defective part?