Denon rant and receiver recommendations.

Druidx

Platinum Member
Jul 16, 2002
2,971
0
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Consider this a mixture of a mini rant and a public service message regarding what level of support you can expect from Denon and
Accessories4less.

In March I ordered a refurbished Denon AVR-1612 from Accessoriess4less. I followed the directions, I only hooked up the HDMI for the initial setup. When I attempted to turn the unit on, all it would do is cycle off/on/off every second. I had already read through the official AVR/**12 topic at avsforum.com , so I was aware of how to do a micro process reset and that it was a common fix to many problems. Unfortunately there was no improvement after completing 3 microprocessor resets.
The next day I called Denon support where I went through their standard support checklist.
• Do another reset
• Unplug then replug the unit in
• Try another outlet.
• Try turning the unit on without anything else connected
After going through all of this, the Denon tech agreed the unit was defective and told me it would need shipped back for replacement. Bradley Scott said he would email me a request for proof of purchase, then when that was received, he would send me the info for shipping it back. The original email sent to me requesting proof of purchase was mistakenly sent to the wrong email address. Two days later when that problem was fixed, I email the proof of purchase. I never received any type of reply from Denon. A follow up email also went unanswered.
A few days later I called tech support again where I had to go through the whole support checklist.
• Do another reset
• Unplug then replug the unit in
• Try another outlet.
• Try turning the unit on without anything else connected
After which the tech agreed the unit was bad an would need returned for repair/replacement. The tech then put me on hold while he transferred me to someone else who would arrange the return. I was on hold for about 5 minutes when I was suddenly disconnected.

Since I was getting nowhere calling their support number I decided to use the online support form. I detailed exactly what had happened to that point, how I had already contacted tech support who said agreed the unit was bad. How multiple microprocessor resets didn't fix the issue. How I had already mailed a copy of my receipt but never heard anything back. After 2 days I finally got a reply from Denon, a tech called me with instructions on how to do a microprocessor rest because that would probably fix the problem. I informed the tech I had already done multiple resets on my own plus again when I originally called their tech support #. I mentioned I was at work so didn't have access to the AVR anyway. The support person ( I think he said his name was Jeff ), said he would call back when I got home, he even verified the time zone difference to ensure exactly when I could expect his call. No surprise, he never called back.

At this point I was done with Denon. I decided to contact Accessorioes4less to exchange the defective unit through them. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that a place selling Denon refurbs would be just as bad at standing behind what they sell as Denon is standing behind what they manufacture.

Here is the return policy from Accessories4less
*All Returns Require Prior Authorization
Please visit our website and follow the link to Questions (left side of page). Next click on the bold term Request a Return or Defective Exchange at the Customer Service Help Desk. Enter all info requested, and allow up to 2 business days for a response. Any item returned without authorization will be refused. Returned merchandise must be postmarked no later than 7 days after we provide you with a Return Authorization Number. *

I filled out the Request a Return or Defective Exchange form but the only reply from A4Less is that I would have to handle the return and exchange through Denon. The Accessories4less return policy definitely implies they will handle exchange of defective equipment as long as it's within 30 days, it certainly doesn't say all sales final or we don't stand behind what we sell. I don’t see why they have people fill out an online form to request an RMA to for exchange or defective equipment they sale when all they do is refer you to someone else.
I understand both of these places probably spend a lot of time and money offering support to people who simply can't follow directions to correctly hook their equipment. This is not one of those times, when you plug the power in and it won't even turn on, it’s clearly defective.

So after getting the reply from A4less which basically amounts to “not our problem, talk to Denon", I once again called Denon support. This would be the 3rd call or the 4th contact if you include the online support ticket. This time I spoke to Rolando Andrande, who was very apologetic. He couldn't understand why Brad, the 1st tech didn't follow up. It was right there in the records as defective waiting for return. I just needed to email in a copy of my receipt. I was told that it normally takes 48hrs but he would get his manager involved to expedite this since I was already waiting from my previous attempts to get this repaired or exchanged. Of course, I never heard another word back after emailing a 2nd copy of my receipt, including a follow up email simply asking who I needed to contact to get this resolved.


I’m interested in suggestions to update my receiver. My equipment is all 5-6 years old and based on recommendations from the HTIB alternatives thread.
I bought the Denon AVR-1612 to replace my old Onkyo SR-504. Since I’m had nothing but problems trying to get any support from Denon to repair or exchange the unit, I’m only interested in recommendations from other manufactures beside Denon.
What would be another receiver comparable to the Denon 1612? The main reason to replace the Onkyo SR-504 is I want something with HDMI to cut down on the number of wires. Right now I have multiple wires going to a HDMI switch plus separate TosLink cables going to the Onkyo. So I’m interested in something that can handle everything thru HDMI, preferably something with Audyssey since I’ve read so many good reviews. Something easy to use with a decetn remote will help wityh the wife factor.

The receiver will be driving a 5.1 system made up of a Bic H-100 sub and Velodyne CHT Front Row speakers.

I appreciate any input.
 

Fallen Kell

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
6,225
541
126
Contact A4less again and mention that you are going to contest the charge on your credit card as you have not received a working product. They may quickly create a RMA for you at that point.
 

Druidx

Platinum Member
Jul 16, 2002
2,971
0
76
Under any other circumstances I would do just that but it’s now past A4less 30 day return policy, plus the fact I used a debit card instead of CC. I wish I would have contacted A4less from the very beginning but I never expected such horrible support from Denon. Then again, A4less was just as bad when they failed to abide by their own return policy. I guess that’s why they are such close business partners, Denon farms all of their rejects and refurbs to A4less.
 

purbeast0

No Lifer
Sep 13, 2001
53,660
6,536
126
is it common for manufactures to even give their support on warranties on refubished items?
 

Ketchup

Elite Member
Sep 1, 2002
14,559
248
106
Hope you learned rule #1 with online purchases: never use debit.

Feel bad for all the headaches though.
 

Matt1970

Lifer
Mar 19, 2007
12,320
3
0
Under any other circumstances I would do just that but it’s now past A4less 30 day return policy, plus the fact I used a debit card instead of CC. I wish I would have contacted A4less from the very beginning but I never expected such horrible support from Denon. Then again, A4less was just as bad when they failed to abide by their own return policy. I guess that’s why they are such close business partners, Denon farms all of their rejects and refurbs to A4less.

Debit cards have the same protections as a CC. If you have email records within the 30 day return policy of them refusing to help you, it's a slam dunk case. I did a dispute one time against DHL back when they did regular ground shipping. I used my Debit Card for the charge and my disputed it with DHL and I won.
 
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poofyhairguy

Lifer
Nov 20, 2005
14,612
318
126
Oh wow thanks for this. I bought a 1712 refurb from A4L last year and I loved it so I was recommending a friend buy a 1612. No longer.

I just got lucky with a good unit. That is a nightmare.
 

olds

Elite Member
Mar 3, 2000
50,124
779
126
I almost bought something on Accessories4less then I looked at their reseller ratings. No thanks.
 

Druidx

Platinum Member
Jul 16, 2002
2,971
0
76
I've bought a ton of refurb items over the years, the vast majority of stuff sold as refurb is nothing more than open box items people have returned so it can't be sold as new. I think most manufactures do a reasonable job on the few items where they actually had to fix something, this problem is a direct result of horrible support from denon and A4less.
I just noticed that Denon has outsourced their tech and service support to S2G. I wonder if that was a recent change.
 

KentState

Diamond Member
Oct 19, 2001
8,397
393
126
I've been very happy with the two Yamaha receivers that I've owned. The first was a top of the line model back when HDMI 1.2 was out. Currently I have an RX-A2010 and love it.
 

Fallen Kell

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
6,225
541
126
I got a 1 year old top of the line Harman Kardon back in the day refurb when Harmon had first setup an Ebay store to offload their stuff. The great thing was that is was still direct from Harman Kardon with full factory warranty (even on the refurb units). They even included a checksheet so you could see what was originally "wrong" with the unit so you can look out for that specific defect when you received it to know it was fixed properly (mine had a bad backlight on the display). I also got it for under $200 (when it was still retailing at $1600! (originally $2000)) as I was the only bid...

Anyway, I have no problem telling people to buy refurbs as long as it still has a good warranty. I am sorry to hear that you are getting the run around. As someone already pointed out, if you have documentation that you contacted them before the 30 days, you can and will win that case in a charge back fight with your card.
 

Aharami

Lifer
Aug 31, 2001
21,205
165
106
is it common for manufactures to even give their support on warranties on refubished items?

yes. bought a refurb Onkyo 876 from shoponkyo.com. After about 30 days I found out that it has a malfunctioning srround back left channel (was only using it in 5.1 mode initially).

Return process was a breeze but the replacement they sent got damaged in shipping and had to return that also. Finally got a working unit after about 3-4 weeks. They paid for shipping a 55lb AVR 5 times. Probably cost them a few hundred to ship this one order back and forth. All that could have been avoided if they'd just agreed to let me drive the AVR to their factory center myself, which is about an hour and a half from me.

IIRC Onkyo's refurb warranty is 90 days. I am fine with that considering how much I saved on the receiver.
 
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alcoholbob

Diamond Member
May 24, 2005
6,390
468
126
is it common for manufactures to even give their support on warranties on refubished items?

I think they are legally obligated to support anything that they sell, they are only absolved of supporting 2nd hand transfers.
 

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
100,520
17,965
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I don't see how this is a Denon problem. Refurb is not warrantied by the manufacturer.
 

LikeLinus

Lifer
Jul 25, 2001
11,518
670
126
I had the completely opposite experience with Denon support. I had a receive that I had just purchased go bad on me. Called Denon tech support and told them what was going on. I told them I had purchased it about a week before from Vanns and they had me do a minimal amount of trouble shooting before they agreed it was a bad unit. They said they would create a reference number and let Vanns know to send me a new unit. Sure enough, I got in contact with Vanns and gave them the reference number from Denon and they gave me a prepaid ups label to send it back and then sent me a new one 2nd day air. I was VERY impressed.
 

olds

Elite Member
Mar 3, 2000
50,124
779
126
I don't see how this is a Denon problem. Refurb is not warrantied by the manufacturer.
It depends on who refurbished it.
But Accessories4less is the devil and should be avoided.
 

alcoholbob

Diamond Member
May 24, 2005
6,390
468
126
I had the completely opposite experience with Denon support. I had a receive that I had just purchased go bad on me. Called Denon tech support and told them what was going on. I told them I had purchased it about a week before from Vanns and they had me do a minimal amount of trouble shooting before they agreed it was a bad unit. They said they would create a reference number and let Vanns know to send me a new unit. Sure enough, I got in contact with Vanns and gave them the reference number from Denon and they gave me a prepaid ups label to send it back and then sent me a new one 2nd day air. I was VERY impressed.

This is the sort of thing Amazon does through an automatically system on their web without resorting to contacting the manufacturer directly :p
 

Bonesdad

Platinum Member
Nov 18, 2002
2,213
0
76
Interesting. I've typically only heard good things about Denon support and products. Not sure I'd ever buy high end electronics from someplace called Accessories4less though...in fact, I'd avoid anything that uses "4less" in their name...
 

dawp

Lifer
Jul 2, 2005
11,347
2,710
136
is it common for manufactures to even give their support on warranties on refubished items?

all refurb I have bought had a reduced warranty, usually significantly shorter tho I've never had a problem with the ones I bought.
 

purbeast0

No Lifer
Sep 13, 2001
53,660
6,536
126
all refurb I have bought had a reduced warranty, usually significantly shorter tho I've never had a problem with the ones I bought.

yeah but is that through the company you purchased it from or through the manufacturer?
 

olds

Elite Member
Mar 3, 2000
50,124
779
126
Depends on who refurbished it.
Crutchfield sells factory refurbished with full manufacturers warranty.
 

dawp

Lifer
Jul 2, 2005
11,347
2,710
136
yeah but is that through the company you purchased it from or through the manufacturer?

depends on where you purchased it. newegg will refund for 30 days. after that it's through the manufacturer.
 

purbeast0

No Lifer
Sep 13, 2001
53,660
6,536
126
that is kinda what i figured.

browsing the geocities looking accessories4less website i wouldn't find anything that stated it had a manufacturer warranty.
 

LikeLinus

Lifer
Jul 25, 2001
11,518
670
126
This is the sort of thing Amazon does through an automatically system on their web without resorting to contacting the manufacturer directly :p

Not sure you understood what I said. I called the manufacture to troubleshoot the unit. Who the hell would call Amazon to discuss troubleshooting a unit or trying to find out if it is indeed defective? I call Amazon when I know something is broke and then return it.

Denon turned around and helped setup the return with Vanns for me and sent me a new unit. They went out of their way with the vendor to help me.