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Where to buy Metrum Octave?

So I was denied a Metrum Octave by Hifi Heaven because I couldn't return their call the same day to make the purchase. This after waiting patiently for 6 weeks for something that they supposedly had 3 of in stock at time I made my order. I waited patiently as they explained that it was in customs each of the 3 times I called them fully agreeing that it was out of their control and not their fault. Then when they did receive it, they left me a message to call them back on their last unit. Unfortunately due to a work deadline I was only able to call them back the following day at their opening time. They tell me "I wished you called back sooner because it's already been sold".

While the individuals I spoke to were nice, I'm very disappointed that they didn't reciprocate a smidgeon of the patience I asked of me. Come on now, I'm made to wait for 6 weeks but they can't even wait a full day?

So now I'm seeking suggestions for an honest and reliable dealer that have or might have the Metrum Octave for sale.
huynhh1
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
You might try direct; explain the problems you are having. I bought mine that way ; there was a long wait but well worth it.
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Did you pay HiFi Heaven before delivery?

Some retailers will ask for a credit card impression (number) that doesn't get charged to you account until the product arrives. If this happened and they sold the product they should be reported to the manufacture, BBB, and your credit card company.

I would drop an email to the manufacture and explain the difficulty. When I purchased mine directly the price was around $700 including shipping. Because of the popularity of the Octave there was a waiting period of almost three weeks so I can't say how long the actual shipping took.

I did have a short email, and very unbusiness like, conversation with HiFi Heaven so your experience is not at all surprising.
huynhh1 OP
11 posts
 
Vicdamone,

I placed the order through their amazon store, so I assume only amazon had my card info. Since it wasn't delivered within 37 days, amazon automatically cancelled the order per their policy. However, I called Hifi Heaven about this before the cancellation and arranged to be on their waiting list. I was never asked for my card info, so maybe they weren't technically obligated to do anything for me *shrug*. Perhaps the extent of their obligation was only to call me and nothing more.

So it's good to know that Metrum Acoustics has sold directly. They're current website states that 'The NOS Mini DAC is available via Acelec Engineering(parent company - ) except the following countries'. When you click on the countries link, USA is on the list with Hifi Heaven being the dealer. Despite that, I'll give them a shot and email them.

Thanks
singleendedsingle
664 posts
 
I had a problems a couple of times with dealers, dealing directly with the manufacturer is the way to go.
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Huynhh1, That's correct, I purchased mine before Metrum Acoustics set up their dealer network. Once that happened the price went up at the dealer.

I'm guessing there may still be a waiting list for Octave DACs and HiFi Heaven is managing their list at their discretion.

I would email Metrum and describe the situation, ask about their production output, and if their dealers are waiting. Also, ask if you could purchase directly.
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