Buyer Beware: miniDSP Flex RCA arrived USED & Defective - RESOLVED

[markk]

the last picture you uploaded here clearly shows the Flex rubber feet is full of debris / glue (?) of a device that was sitting outside of packaging for a very long time.
you don't need to return anything, as it is so obvious you received a used / very old product. they need to compensate you with a new one. i hope you're reading this Minidsp people

Is this rubber foot really dirty? I just snapped a quick photo of one of the rubber feet on my new in box flex units. Which, in real life, looks quite new...camera don't lie. Or does it...?

Point being, you and a number of other folks seem to be making judgements not based on the genuine reliability of the photographs.

 

[DenonMate]

Is this rubber foot really dirty? I just snapped a quick photo of one of the rubber feet on my new in box flex units. Which, in real life, looks quite new...camera don't lie. Or does it...?

Point being, you and a number of other folks seem to be making judgements not based on the genuine reliability of the photographs.

If this in your pics is “new” with all the scratches you should send them a ticket. But don’t forget to config a reminder in the case the ticket gets lost.

The unit hasn’t to look “quite new”. It has to be new.

Right, pics don’t tell always the whole story, but this discussion and some judgments are based on:
Post 1:
The unit arrived straight out of the box with the following critical issues:

1. Severe Front Panel Separation: The front acrylic panel is completely unglued and separated from the main metal chassis, creating a massive, visible gap and exposing the internal structure near the volume knob.
2. Clear Evidence of a USED/Refurbished Unit:The rear of the unit proves this device is not factory-new. The protective plastic film on the top plate is peeling off and full of air bubbles from being manually reapplied. Furthermore, the gold-plated RCA inputs and outputs show clear circular friction marks and wear, proving that cables had been plugged into this unit before I even unboxed it.

There is no evidence at thr moment that the thread opener didn’t tell the truth.

 

[Karlaka]

Before I continue, I would like to clarify that it is not my intention to start individual debates with any user. My goal is simply to share what has happened to me with the community. I will only share these two photos and leave it to each of you to draw your own conclusions.
I've attached two photos. Both were taken with the same camera and in same conditions.

• The first image is the bottom panel of the "brand-new" miniDSP Flex I received.
• The second image is the bottom panel of a much older, genuinely used Fosi Audio ZP3 unit that I own, which retails for around $160.

Looking only at the photos, can anyone tell me which one is the new, impeccable premium device? You’ll have to excuse me, but I believe there is no room for doubt.
You can clearly see that the Fosi unit—despite being cheaper and used—has cleaner rubber feet than my 'new' miniDSP Flex. When a product that is ostensibly brand-new, and much more expensive, arrives in a worse state than a budget-used item, it strongly suggests the unit I received is not in the condition a customer should expect. The condition of the Flex's feet, combined with the detached front panel, is the basis for my claim.

I reiterate: I have the device right here in front of me, in person, live and direct, and I can assure you without a shadow of a doubt that it has been used or displayed for a significant amount of time. It has signs of use, fingerprints, and the front panel is loose and detached; it is completely evident that it is not new. I paid for a new device, and I think it is logical and fair for me to demand one in that condition, don't you? That said, from here on out, I will no longer involve myself in other debates that distract from my original intention, which is to hold the company accountable for the product I purchased from them.

Thanks to all.

 

[markk]

If this in your pics is “new” with all the scratches you should send them a ticket. But don’t forget to config a reminder in the case the ticket gets lost.

The unit hasn’t to look “quite new”. It has to be new.

Sigh. No ticket needed. You missed my point entirely. My unit is new and appears new in real life. There are no scratches. The glue line of the rubber foot looks like any other rubber foot glue line.

The point is, the camera is effectively magnifying the image 3-10 fold distorting the impression. Normal amounts of dust and the glue line are distorted and exaggerated. Drawing the conclusion that I have an old, dirty, scratched up unit is exactly the wrong conclusion. I can also, by changing the lighting and positioning, snap a pic that makes this look much cleaner and newer. But my point is that that is an artifact of the photographic process and to say that the unit is dirty, damaged, used or poorly constructed is not strongly supported by the photographic evidence one way or the other.

I think you guys spend way too much time looking at heavily photoshopped production/commercial product photos. Yea, I can do that if you want too... Take an ordinary photo of any of your gear with your cell phone under ordinary light, magnify it 5x, and see what you think...

You guys are reading way too much into these pix.

 

[markk]

Karlaka,

I don't doubt that your unit is a demo or somewhat used. But that's more based on what you're saying than the pictures you've posted. They are perhaps suggestive of some prior use, maybe, but nothing more. You seem like a genuinely honest person, and your requests seem reasonable.

My point is only folks are reading way too much into photographs...

 

[Kremmen]

As a related issue, one of the biggest cons on eBay is people selling 'new' CD player lasers and their mechanisms that have clearly been ripped out of old CD players and are often faulty too. I find it best to film packages containing items such as these being opened before getting as good a close-up of the items as possible, particularly any serial numbers etc.

Then follow this by a swift change to a macro lens to film the horrors that are sometimes hard to film with a standard lens. A few expletives recorded along with the footage often helps should the recording ever be needed as evidence, e.g.: "The slimy, ripping off bastards!"

The images below are from one such example I filmed. The seller in question was a total scammer. The threat of passing the video to eBay got the required result!

 

[Karlaka]

Karlaka,

I don't doubt that your unit is a demo or somewhat used. But that's more based on what you're saying than the pictures you've posted. They are perhaps suggestive of some prior use, maybe, but nothing more. You seem like a genuinely honest person, and your requests seem reasonable.

My point is only folks are reading way too much into photographs...

I appreciate your perspective, @markk. My intention is simply to resolve this conflict. As I mentioned before, this purchase represents a massive expense for my personal economy, and I do not want to settle for anything less than what is fair and what I paid for. I can assure you that I wouldn't go through all this trouble if I didn't consider it both justified and necessary. I appreciate you acknowledging that my requests are reasonable. Thank you for the civil discussion.

 

[Karlaka]

I’ve received some messages and comments expressing concern about the resolution of this case. To be clear: I am not looking to argue about my reactions, but to reach a fair outcome for a service failure that was entirely out of my control. I will provide an update once I have a final response from miniDSP, I remain confident in their team to find an appropriate solution.. Thank you again to everyone who has offered constructive feedback and support.

 

[Karlaka]

As a related issue, one of the biggest cons on eBay is people selling 'new' CD player lasers and their mechanisms that have clearly been ripped out of old CD players and are faulty. I find it best to film packages containing items such as these being opened before getting as good a close-up of the items as possible, particularly any serial numbers etc.

Then follow this by a swift change to a macro lens to film the horrors that are sometimes hard to film with a standard lens. A few expletives recorded along with the footage often helps should the recording ever be needed as evidence, e.g.: "The slimy, ripping off bastards!"

That is a very relevant point, @Kremmen.
I must add, it’s mind-boggling to me! If a device works perfectly, there’s no problem with it being used—in fact, a pre-tested unit might even function better than a brand-new, untested one. What I cannot accept is paying full price for a 'new' product when it is anything but.
Here in Argentina, we are unfortunately quite accustomed to this type of business practice, but what is truly surprising to me is encountering this same behavior in other parts of the world, in countries like yours. These 'avivadas'—as we call these little scams—are exactly what I didn't expect to find here

 

[Karlaka]

Hello everyone,

I wanted to provide a final update regarding my situation with miniDSP.

After several exchanges, we were able to reach a resolution. While the process had its challenges—especially considering the international logistics and distance involved—miniDSP ultimately proposed a fair solution to accommodate the situation.

I believe it is only fair to acknowledge this publicly. They took the time and effort to work through the details and find an acceptable middle ground to close the case satisfactorily.

Thank you to everyone in the community who shared advice, feedback, and support throughout this process.

Best regards,

Esteban.

 

[anonyless]

I believe it is only fair to acknowledge this publicly. They took the time and effort to work through the details and find an acceptable middle ground to close the case satisfactorily.

Thank you to everyone in the community who shared advice, feedback, and support throughout this process.

so you used the forum(s) to get MiniDSP's attention, got this thread to 5 pages / 90 messages,
only to share at the end that you reached "an acceptable middle ground".
may i ask, what is this resolution you reached with MiniDSP ?

 

[DenonMate]

Don’t think he is allowed to talk about details of the agreement.

 

[mglobe]

I wish it were possible to change the name of this thread to something like "I had an issue with a MiniDSP product and they resolved it to my satisfaction"

 

[BJL]

so you used the forum(s) to get MiniDSP's attention, got this thread to 5 pages / 90 messages,
only to share at the end that you reached "an acceptable middle ground".
may i ask, what is this resolution you reached with MiniDSP ?

miniDSP has stated that they do not monitor ASR, and I don't think that his is a fair criticism. The OP had a problem and asked for help and advice. That is all.

It was good of him to acknowledge that the company resolved and not fair to suggest that he reveal the details of a private agreement.

 

[anonyless]

miniDSP has stated that they do not monitor ASR, and I don't think that his is a fair criticism. The OP had a problem and asked for help and advice. That is all.

same thread was posted on MiniDSP forum as well

 

[Karlaka]

so you used the forum(s) to get MiniDSP's attention, got this thread to 5 pages / 90 messages,
only to share at the end that you reached "an acceptable middle ground".
may i ask, what is this resolution you reached with MiniDSP ?

Hi @anonyless,

I understand your curiosity. The resolution consisted of reaching a mutual agreement that helped offset the import complexities and the condition of the unit, allowing me to keep it safely rather than dealing with a high-risk international return.

While it took some time and effort from both sides, my goal in updating the thread was simply to be transparent with the community and acknowledge that the company eventually stepped up to find a fair compromise.

Thanks for following the case!

 

[Karlaka]

Don’t think he is allowed to talk about details of the agreement.

Thanks for having my back, @DenonMate! Just to clarify, miniDSP didn't actually ask for any confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement. However, I prefer not to share the specific numbers out of professional courtesy—just like I didn’t share the exact percentages or amounts during the negotiation process.

I really appreciate all your support throughout this thread!

 

[Karlaka]

I wish it were possible to change the name of this thread to something like "I had an issue with a MiniDSP product and they resolved it to my satisfaction"

Thank you for the suggestion, @mglobe! I actually agree with you completely, and I've already reached out to the forum administrators to request a title change, since users can't edit it directly at this stage. I think it's only fair to reflect how it ended.

 

[Karlaka]

miniDSP has stated that they do not monitor ASR, and I don't think that his is a fair criticism. The OP had a problem and asked for help and advice. That is all.

It was good of him to acknowledge that the company resolved and not fair to suggest that he reveal the details of a private agreement.

Thank you for the support, @BJL! You summed it up perfectly. I appreciate you taking the time to clarify that my initial goal was simply to seek advice and community guidance, and that keeping the exact numbers private is just a matter of discretion. Thanks again!

 

[Karlaka]

same thread was posted on MiniDSP forum as well

Yes, exactly. When you face an international shipping issue, you use every community channel available to get advice and reach the right people. And actually, I received far more interaction, valuable advice, and support here on ASR than I ever did on miniDSP's own official forum. So I am especially grateful to this community for giving my issue the attention and validation it deserved.
Problem solved, moving on!