[USAudio]

CIAudio appears to build some neat and innovative audio components --
Can any CIAudio owners here offer me some feedback (good AND/OR bad) on the reliability and quality of their CIAudio components?
(anyone except CIAudio himself please!  )
How reliable have they been? 
How's the build quality? 
How quickly have units been repaired after being sent in with problems?

Thanks!

[Grover]

I have four pieces of Channel Islands Audio gear - VDA-2, VAC-1 and D-100 monoblocks.

All the units arrived flawlessly packaged, damage free and working perfectly.  All units still work perfectly without any issues whatsoever.

I sent my VDA-2 back to Dusty for an upgrade that he offered free of charge, I just paid for shipping.  Dusty's equipment is as close to "set it and forget it" as you will ever experience in high end audio.

[slbenz]

I have four pieces of Channel Islands Audio gear - VDA-2, VAC-1 and D-100 monoblocks.

All the units arrived flawlessly packaged, damage free and working perfectly.  All units still work perfectly without any issues whatsoever.

I sent my VDA-2 back to Dusty for an upgrade that he offered free of charge, I just paid for shipping.  Dusty's equipment is as close to "set it and forget it" as you will ever experience in high end audio.

Same here.  Own the VDA-2 and VAC-1 for more than a year.  Not one problem.  Had to send the VDA-2 for the free upgrade and Dusty turned it around back to me very quickly and those two units are built like mini tanks!  No chassis vibrations to be found for sure.   

[mfsoa]

Same as everyone else so far. Bulletproof.

I did send the D200 amps back to get the inputs changed to RCA and the turnaround was very fast.

-Mike

[JLM]

I own a VPC-3 and a pair of VMB-1 monoblocks (3rd handed).  They operate without a glitch.  They arrived in perfect shape with everything working as hoped for. 

The VMB-1's are cool running tanks.  A couple times their blue "on light" stayed on after a power outage even though they weren't on (must have been a surge protection feature). 

The VPC-3 is very light weight (most audiophile cables would pull it out of place).

Any improvement in reliability and quality (I've owned McIntosh) would be a pointless luxury for home use.

[Nick B]

I got a pair of slightly used D200's. I thought one channel was running too hot and sent both to Dusty to check out. He did a slight adjustment (dead time?) and everything is fine. The turnaround was prompt. Build quality is quite good. Dusty's good to deal with. You will have no problems with CIA.

[USAudio]

Thanks everyone, sounds like CIAudio is worth a try!   
Anyone else have any feedback, good or bad?
Thanks!

[poseidonsvoice]

What more feedback do you need ? Dusty is a veteran at this. His time dates all the way back with Mark Schifter and Audio Alchemy. This guy is the real deal. His prices are very fair and very competitive. I've listened to his VDA-2 and thought it was a fine dac as well. Doesn't take up much real estate and performs to a very high standard 

If I wasn't a DIY'er I would be buying Dusty's products. Heck, his SB3 power supply is so cheap I may not build my own PS...

Best,
Anand.

[USAudio]

What more feedback do you need ? Dusty is a veteran at this. His time dates all the way back with Mark Schifter and Audio Alchemy. This guy is the real deal. His prices are very fair and very competitive. I've listened to his VDA-2 and thought it was a fine dac as well. Doesn't take up much real estate and performs to a very high standard 

Looks like only 1 person had to send something in because something was slightly amiss, all other feedback was downright glowing!  Nothing negative at all, that's pretty amazing given how picky most audiophiles are ... Ok, I'm sold, CIAudio sounds like the way to go.  Thanks all.

P.S.  Anand, you shouldn't hit yourself in the head like that , bad habit ... 

[poseidonsvoice]

P.S.  Anand, you shouldn't hit yourself in the head like that , bad habit

The alternative would of course be 



Best 

Anand.

[CSI]

I currently own 7 pieces of CIA gear. All of it is in use all the time and I've never had a single glitch, problem, odd noise or need to call the factory/return for repair/etc.

I keep buying CIA products because, whenever I add a CIA piece to my system, I hear an instant improvement. And it is an improvement unlike that of any other gear I've ever owned..it doesn't make one part of the music better, brighter, smoother, etc. It sounds more like someone came into my house and quietly removed something that was getting in the way of the music. And it's always something I didn't even know was messing up the sound until it was gone. This phenomenon is hard to describe in words but you'll know it when you hear it.

[denjo]

The D*200s are a tremendous value for what they do. I have owned several hifi gear over the years and while most were incremental changes, the D*200s were the most significant. Some have compared the D*200s to amplifiers costing very much more and report that the little monos aren't embarassed.

Someday, I might consider the D*500s ( ) and am waiting for good folks to report post-RMAF 2007 observations!

Best Regards
Dennis

[USAudio]

The alternative would of course be 

Either way look painful! 

I currently own 7 pieces of CIA gear. All of it is in use all the time and I've never had a single glitch, problem, odd noise or need to call the factory/return for repair/etc.

I keep buying CIA products because, whenever I add a CIA piece to my system, I hear an instant improvement. And it is an improvement unlike that of any other gear I've ever owned..it doesn't make one part of the music better, brighter, smoother, etc. It sounds more like someone came into my house and quietly removed something that was getting in the way of the music. And it's always something I didn't even know was messing up the sound until it was gone. This phenomenon is hard to describe in words but you'll know it when you hear it.

You guys have me convinced, I have several CIAudio pieces on the way!   aa

[CSI]

If, beyond your 30 Day trial period, you decide you don't like them, let us know. Someone here will snap them up pretty quickly!