Yamaha HS3 - beware / quality issues

[dBnoob]

If buying HS3's (and potentially HS4's) - demand to see what you're getting.

The set I've got has a crooked LH speaker - the speaker assembly sits all the way to the left in the enclosure. The retailer is saying their stock has some degree of this defect.

I'm not sure if this is a QC failure / batch issue, or manufacturing tolerance at its limits - but it looks dreadful and I suspect the cone surround may rub into its cover - and eventually fail.

The "best" part though - Yamaha (Australia) refuses to acknowledge this defect, and are hiding behind the retailer (tried calling Yamaha directly - simply refused to help).

 

[sktn77a]

I suspect that's a cosmetic plastic surround that's not going to influence performance(?)

 

[dBnoob]

I suspect that's a cosmetic plastic surround that's not going to influence performance(?)

True, it may not affect the performance but it looks very average - one would think it's a fairly basic thing to have the speakers centred. The RH is, yet the LH is crooked.
This would be possibly acceptable for a cheap set, but not for professional monitors from a reputable brand.

 

[JSmith]

The "best" part though - Yamaha (Australia) refuses to acknowledge this defect, and are hiding behind the retailer (tried calling Yamaha directly - simply refused to help).

You may have to lodge a case in VCAT then, as both the retailer and in turn the manufacturer have obligations under Aus Consumer Law;

Repair, replace, refund, cancel

Businesses must fix minor problems with products or services by at least giving a free repair. When consumers buy products or services that have a major problem they have certain rights.

www.accc.gov.au

JSmith

 

[johny_2000]

This would be possibly acceptable for a cheap set, but not for professional monitors from a reputable brand.

They're cheaply made by Yamaha, who knows where. And then sold to you at a nice profit as monitors from a reputable brand. Globalization cons.

 

[mhardy6647]

True, it may not affect the performance but it looks very average - one would think it's a fairly basic thing to have the speakers centred. The RH is, yet the LH is crooked.
This would be possibly acceptable for a cheap set, but not for professional monitors from a reputable brand.

Umm, they are cheap, unless I am missing something?

Mind you, I love many things Yamaha* but as to how reputable they are as a hifi brand -- they've had their ups and downs over the years.


The little CR-220 was fine, but those NS-A626 loudspeakers are pretty embarrassing from the company that brought us the NS-1000.
EDIT: I should add that Radio Shack sold these same loudspeakers under their own Oprimus brand ca. 1998.

source: https://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/flipbook/1998_radioshack_catalog.html

(random eBAY auction images of two unmemorable Yamaha tuners -- from the folks that brought us the CT-7000)

(one of a line of forgettable Yamaha AVRs of days gone by -- again, a random eBAY auction image)

 

[johny_2000]

Umm, they are cheap, unless I am missing something?

As far as I know, everything is much more expensive in the Australian market than anywhere else.
Perhaps his notes were based on prices that are much higher, which makes the feeling of disappointment deeper.

 

[JSmith]

Australian market

They sell here for between AUD$300 - $340.


JSmith

 

[mhardy6647]

As far as I know, everything is much more expensive in the Australian market than anywhere else.
Perhaps his notes were based on prices that are much higher, which makes the feeling of disappointment deeper.

Fair enough -- I guess I'd be looking at comparables on the local market and assess relative quality.

Again, mind you, I am a pretty committed Yamaha fanboy*, as many hear know all too well -- but even they have foisted some pretty embarrassing examples of audio products on their customers over the decades.

____________
* e.g., and to wit:

 

[johny_2000]

@dBnoob,
Is return and exchange not an option with the store?
Maybe the next set won't be so bad.

 

[JSmith]

Is return and exchange not an option with the store?

But their stock has the same defect;

The retailer is saying their stock has some degree of this defect.

JSmith

 

[johny_2000]

But their stock has the same defect;

Oh, that sucks! Then return it, refund your money and choose a better brand.

 

[JSmith]

Oh, that sucks! Then return it, refund your money and choose a better brand.

Sure does. Generally though Yahama are a decent brand and usually have great build quality. I'm surprised they're not offering a replacement that doesn't show this defect... unless their recent production run for this model are all like this. That may explain why they're attempting to skirt their responsibilities under consumer laws. If that is the case, the OP should be refunded in full if he/she doesn't want to keep them with this production defect.


JSmith