Absolutely :yes:
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Shame on Ortofon
- Thread starter rnorton
- Start date
Absolutely :yes:
rnorton
Super Member
I find it unlikely, to say the least, that rejects stolen by Danish employees find their way into the American market. The reject thieves would have to be highly organized with an international distribution system. I would imagine that Ortofon inspectors would render them unusable by breaking the cantilever before throwing them out, also.
The only right thing to do is to chalk this up to experience. Sometimes the "scroe" you're expecting isn't what it seems to be.
To go after Ortofon because you think you can get something out of them is shameful. I agree with MikeCh; it's not Ortofon who should be ashamed.
Erin
To go after Ortofon because you think you can get something out of them is shameful. I agree with MikeCh; it's not Ortofon who should be ashamed.
Erin
Agreed, or some guy buys it on vacation, but stuff like that happens which is why warranties need limits. Unlimited lifetime warranties aren't always a good thing either. For example Buck knives have a lifetime no questions warranty, but the steel is so damn hard you can't hardly hand sharpen them, so what good is a knife that's always dull?
PR Audio
Super Member
Love Mike's post!!! The OP is assuming that Ortofon was the one who screwed up, and he might be right, but he might also be wrong. There are ways, and there are ways to solve this situation. I am sure that curiosity about what happened is a big part of the OP's concern.
When something like this happens there is an easy way to deal with it, it is being polite and at the same time baffled by the situation. Here is what you are going to do...Just write a simple letter or email to Ortofon, and send along with pictures to prove your point, and make sure that you offer to send them the item for them to examine. Call Ortofon first to get the e-mail and/or mailing address of the proper person (VP of Sales, CS Mgr. etc.) . Your letter should read:
Dear Mr/Mrs. XXX;
Recently I acquired a second hand (honesty is important) like new OM-20 cartridge, after installing it I noticed a problem with how it sounds. Thinking it was the needle/stylus I proceeded to carefully examine it and noticed that the diamond stylus was rotated "X" degrees in the cantilever, an error that to the best of my knowledge can only happen at the factory, during the fabrication process. This is baffling to me, since I know Ortofon makes high quality cartridges and I purchased based on this fact.
Enclosed you will find pictures of the described problem in the hopes that it helps Ortofon with their quality control procedure. But in the case that Ortofon understands the damage was caused by a third party, I would also like to hear from you as to be better informed. I am willing to send Ortofon the cartridge and/or stylus in question in order for you to examine; just advise where to send. If this was a situation caused by a "hiccup" in Ortofon's quality control, I would certainly like for Ortofon to make this right. Though I have already purchased a replacement stylus from JICO.
If you or anyone from your tech team needs additional information feel free to contact me (add your contact info) at your earliest convenience. I hope that you can bring back my confidence of Ortofon products.
Best regards,
XXXXXX
Try it, you will be amazed how good this approach works. I have personally done it many times with companies like Nautica, Oakley, Sebago, Sears, and others. Always the response has been great. I have received new products back, or gift certificates. Remember you are dealing with a pro company, not with a check out clerk at your local fast food joint.
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I don't understand the fierceness of those who don't think the OP should contact Ortofon. The OP seems to have fairly relaxed view of the situation (he bought a replacement stylus just to have one) and he asked for comments about whether he should contact Ortofon rather than carrying on about how he was going to demand a replacement. I think he is perfectly justified in asking them politely.
They (apparently) did screw up, and they may not wish to have their reputation for quality besmirched by this booboo. Replacing it won't cost them much, and may get them a loyal customer in the future.
I drive used cars, and I occasionally get recall notices, involving sometimes expensive work that the manufacturer is going to cover -- should I reject the repair since I bought the car used? I have to say that my regard for the makers is increased significantly by these recall notices, even if they are legally required to do them.
On a more directly related note, I once bought a Thorens that had an early Grado Signature cartridge. I couldn't ID the cartridge' exact model, so I called up Grado and asked. They told me to send it in so they could check to make sure it was up to snuff, and they returned it with a new stylus assembly. When I called to find out what I owed them, they refused payment -- I'm not sure why.
Were they wrong to do this? Would Ortofon handle the situation differently? I don't know, but I think its not unreasonable to ask.
They (apparently) did screw up, and they may not wish to have their reputation for quality besmirched by this booboo. Replacing it won't cost them much, and may get them a loyal customer in the future.
I drive used cars, and I occasionally get recall notices, involving sometimes expensive work that the manufacturer is going to cover -- should I reject the repair since I bought the car used? I have to say that my regard for the makers is increased significantly by these recall notices, even if they are legally required to do them.
On a more directly related note, I once bought a Thorens that had an early Grado Signature cartridge. I couldn't ID the cartridge' exact model, so I called up Grado and asked. They told me to send it in so they could check to make sure it was up to snuff, and they returned it with a new stylus assembly. When I called to find out what I owed them, they refused payment -- I'm not sure why.
Were they wrong to do this? Would Ortofon handle the situation differently? I don't know, but I think its not unreasonable to ask.
Very well put.
marcmorin
RIP 1953-2020
John G or John C inspected it and found a flaw. They do have a listed warranty period, but if they find a problem that "could have been" due to material or workmanship they usually will replace it. My Sonata huffed a diamond after 3 years, and John G sent me a Sonata-1 FOC.
PS: that wouldn't happen to be a White Body Signature 2 would it?
PPS: if yes to the first,..............wadda ya want for it? :scratch2:
Blue Shadow
Waiting for Vintage Gear from this century
The bitter nature of this thread is based on the original title. There is a good bit of respect for a cartridge manufacturer that has been in business since the early days and makes a very full line of generally excellent sounding devices and you throw shame on them without their possibility of comment. So the discussion gets to go many ways.
To get this thread to turn around, an opportunity for Ortofon to state their case would help, but YOU must contact them for that response. Even if you bought the unit used, Ortofon's name is still on it and they still want things to be done right. Without a warranty they may offer a replacement at cost or something but we are all interested in their response to the shame of the simple slip in quality control on one stylus of the thousands and thousands they have made.
Nothing can be resolved on this until you contact Ortofon.
To get this thread to turn around, an opportunity for Ortofon to state their case would help, but YOU must contact them for that response. Even if you bought the unit used, Ortofon's name is still on it and they still want things to be done right. Without a warranty they may offer a replacement at cost or something but we are all interested in their response to the shame of the simple slip in quality control on one stylus of the thousands and thousands they have made.
Nothing can be resolved on this until you contact Ortofon.
rnorton
Super Member
Whatever. I'm not reading this thread any more or, obviously, posting in it. If something interesting happens when I contact Ortofon, I'll put in in another thread with a name PC enough to satisfy everyone.
Bye.
Sadly that about sums the original attitude and tone of your original post up which is probably the reason for the backlash. But you also had plenty of people who agreed with you. That sounds like a discussion board to me.
I will actually say I take back what I originally said after reading the thoughtful letter to the company suggested by one of the posters. It sounds like a good way to contact the company without asking for a thing but letting them know about a possible manufacturing problem giving them a bad name on audio message boards worldwide. Maybe it will be a very happy ending, maybe it will be a letter of thanks, maybe you'll get nothing.
