Do not buy QSC amps

ctviggen · « **on:** 2 Jan 2006, 11:16 pm »

I purchased a QSC3402 amp from Zybar. Zybar had the amp repaired. After a while, I noticed the second channel operating at a reduced capacity, so I sent the amp back. First, they never said the amp was out of warranty and were going to charge me for repairs. I ended up paying $100+ dollars for repair. Had I known I was going to be charged, I'd have fixed the thing myself. Second, they sent me an amp with the same serial number, but I think they sent me a completely different amp and just replaced the sticker with the serial number on it. Here's why: The fan on these models is incredibly loud. I spent hours figuring out which model of fan to purchase to decrease the sound yet provide the needed airflow. I ordered two of said fans and installed one of them (sadly, the second fan either came with a broken or I broke one of the blades). The new fan rocked and made the amp listenable. The replacement amp's fan is incredibly loud. While I haven't taken the amp apart yet to determine whether the fan is different, there's no way it couldn't be different -- as soon as I plugged the amp in, I was wondering from where all the noise came. The old fan produced no where near this amount of noise. The list of items changed did not include the fan, so I think they just took a completely different amp and put a new sticker on it. Why would they do this? I have no clue, but there is no way this is the same amp I sent them. Next week, I'll take the amp apart and see if the fan is the same. If not, then they sent me a different amp and just replaced the sticker with the serial number on it. Scum bags!

zybar · « **Reply #1 on:** 2 Jan 2006, 11:30 pm »

I am really sorry to hear that Bob.

When I dealt with QSC they didn't pull any games and promptly addressed the issue.

If they did indeed pull a switch and didn't tell you, I hope you post their behavior publicly and give them an earful!

Good luck.

George

JohnR · « **Reply #2 on:** 2 Jan 2006, 11:45 pm »

I don't get it. You modified the amp then expected a warranty repair. They removed a probable cause of the problem (a fan other than the one their engineers designed the amp with), and you call them scumbags. So what if they just replaced the whole thing, they probably figured that was the cheapest way to "repair" it (i.e. bring it back to factory specs)

jermmd · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 12:52 am »

I don't think changing the fan should be considered much of a mod and I believe its commonly done on these amps that are known to have fan noise problems. The only way this mod could adversely effect the amp is if it were installed incorrectly and failed to cool the electronics or if it caused some kind of short. Bob is an engineer and a very handy guy. I don't think he would have a problem changing an amps fan.

avahifi · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 01:05 am »

You know, if we got a piece of equipment back to repair, and we knew the repair was going to be considerable work, or if we had made a running change to fix a "production bug" and the cost of upgrading an old model was substantial, we might simply substitue a new piece with the bug fixes done (not to say we have ever done this, but its not a bad idea) and feel that we were going to make the customer really happy because he got a complete new piece. Could we overlook that the customer had been rummaging around inside and replaced a fan with a different brand? Sure we could overlook that. Who is going to look for that kiind of a parts change in the first place? So then when the customer is irate because he got a new piece of equipment rather than a repaired old one, we would just kinda go away scratching our heads and wondering what would make that customer happy. I would suspect that the company would be pretty happy at loosing you as a future customer. I know we would if put in that situation.

Frank Van Alstine

nathanm · « **Reply #5 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 01:54 am »

I seem to recall back on Harmonic Dischord that one of the QSC guys was searching for a quiet fan which would still be okay for their factory spec. He posted a list of acceptable fans and I got one. I'd assume that if the amp in question had a "factory-authorized" quiet fan then it wouldn't be a case of the user screwing something up.

It's cool to get a whole new unit, but personally I'd be miffed that they didn't give me my fan back. I know, minor detail, but dammit... Those things are unbearable to live with in stock condition. (Er, which is why they're pro audio amps, not hifi amps

)

I don't think this situation makes QSC "scumbags", but it is odd that they would go to such lengths to make a replacement look like it was a repair without telling you. So you actually got an invoice with specific repairs listed? I'd assume they'd be pleased to tell you you're getting a new unit and not try a sneaky coverup operation. Weird.

Are you sure somone didn't try to pull a prank on you and re-orient the volume knob on its post? Heh!

fredgarvin · « **Reply #6 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 02:18 am »

I think you're a little premature in your name calling and blustering. QSC has a fine reputation and their amps are part of why. Usually for pro applications. Hopefully you'll find out more about the repairs and temper your opinions.

Dan Banquer · « **Reply #7 on:** 3 Jan 2006, 01:15 pm »

I would think most manufacturers would basically have a policy like I do. If you put your hands in it and start changing things, you can kiss your warranty goodbye.
d.b.