Esoteric UX-3 Needs Alignment Jig?

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Scott Sefton via his Esoteric dealer.

[emoji106]

[stereo_5]

I checked with my friend. He told me Tap Electronics is the main service center for Esoteric and that all SACD players with the UX or X prefix need to go to Japan for repair due to the alignment jig(s). My friend did speak to Scott. He said he was empathetic but there is nothing he could do. The 1600 shipping quoted was both ways and the unit is out of warranty. That is all I know.

Esoteric also said they not only need the alignment jig, but the proper "environment" as well. What does that mean, a clean room?

[cleeds]

I think Ivan has offered good advice here: Your friend should contact Scott Sefton via his Esoteric dealer. A good dealer can have a lot of influence in a matter such as this. While that process is underway, I think your friend should explore different shipping options on his own. As you've pointed out, that $1,600 shipping quote doesn't seem realistic.

[GreginNH1]

Even if it costs $1,000 to ship, then you have to add the costs of parts and repairs. Isn’t this unit worth about $2,000 in good working order?

Not sure I would spend more than half it’s value repairing it.

[cleeds]

To close the loop on this, according to the user who first posted this problem on another site, the repair cost him $350, including round-trip freight. The unit seems to be working now, he says, and did not go back to Japan for service.

[stereo_5]

I heard the same as Cleeds today although he did not say what they did or why it didn’t go back to Japan. Still makes me nervous by owning one that was made in 2008.

[Formerly YB-2]

Good to read this seems to have a 'happy' resolution.
However, CDPs have many moving parts. One should expect them to wear to the point of needing repairs at some point. No mgfr can afford to stock repair parts forever. Even Rolex in NYC told me they may no longer be able to repair the movement in their Oysterquartz (proprietary quartz movement) after 25yr (they will make a mechanical part if needed - but not their electronic movement). Many pieces of excellent gear (Sony SCD-1/-777ES optical blocks, for instance) become door-stops for lack of repair parts.

[cleeds]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

... CDPs have many moving parts. One should expect them to wear to the point of needing repairs at some point. No mgfr can afford to stock repair parts forever ...

This is sad but true, as anyone who works to keep tape decks functioning properly understands. Over the years, I've spent more money servicing my tape decks than the decks cost me when they were new. It just goes with the territory.