Coming soon, a collaboration with my friend Jason @ The Speaker Doctor.
You simply will not believe what we found inside this otherwise gorgeous, recently sold vintage receiver. What make and model? Where was it purchased from? How much was it and who sold it? You’ll have to stay tuned for that!
A simple ‘misunderstanding’ or a ‘mistake’ perhaps? No. This case is so mind-bogglingly bad that even Jason and I, who regularly collaborate about poor workmanship we see in hi-fi equipment, didn’t believe it at first.
I’ve brought attention to the darker side of classic hi-fi through my Hall of Shame, but it’s not enough. The people responsible for this type of work can be stopped, but only with your help. Regardless of who your repairer is, if you agree that ripping people off isn’t okay, help us stop it.
I’m only interested in the facts, so if you know something about how the receiver ended up like this, you might want to reach out before I publish the details. Those responsible will likely have to be named to protect the public, but if you think that’s unfair or that we should keep these stories from you, put your real name to your opinion and tell me why. Sounds like a dare..? It’s a double dare 😉
More on this story, soon. Check the comments for some very interesting discussion about this already.
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Don’t just name and shame Mike, SHOUT them OUT!; including to Consumer Affairs if done and sold by a business.
Keep fighting the good fight
John
Thanks, John. I appreciate that. These guys like to come for me, which is the part people don’t see, but as you’ll see soon with this one, it’s beyond believable and cannot be ignored. Stay tuned.
Mike,
I would be wary of defamation and give them the opportunity to respond to any questions you pose before you publish.
This isn’t intended as legal advice, just a bit of common sense.
Keep it factual.
Steve M
Thanks, Steve, I always appreciate good advice, and that is. The good news is that I only deal with facts, evidence, and I’ve avoided defaming anybody, through a combination of common sense, education, professional experience and truth-telling. This is why I’ve been able to tell these stories for 10+ years now, despite several baseless legal threats and attempts to shut me up.
Rest assured that this professional approach will continue, something I’m sure regulars know and expect. I’m lucky that a couple of lawyer customers have my back, but the bottom line is that we cannot allow people to be ripped off like this without consequences. There’s too much of this going on unchecked. I just wish a few more had the balls/ethics/sense of justice to help me out!
I admire your huztpah.
Suggest you delete inflamatory words like: “fraud, scam, shame” and Google How do I avoid being defamatory in Australia.
Lawyers love decimating small and large fortunes in litigation. I know as we sued an Owners’ Corporation in the A.C.T. Supreme Court.
Steve
Thanks, Steve. If you read my previous response, you’ll understand that I have, of course, read up on Australian defamation law, and didn’t just start writing these articles. I created the Hall of Shame almost 10 years ago now.
Something I want to make clear to all is that I would never want to defame or speak untruthfully about anyone, and don’t believe I ever have. These articles are news and opinion pieces about real events that I’ve witnessed and believe to be in the public interest.
I don’t believe that speaking truthfully and giving honest opinions about real events can be sensibly construed as defamation, though I know some try, to prevent truths from being told. It happened recently in a widely viewed case about a YouTuber who was sued for factually reviewing a battery, which I covered here: https://youtu.be/97itqM7jj4Q
The bottom line is that we cannot allow bullies and those doing the wrong thing to rip people off or scare them into silence and submission by misusing the legal system.
A barrister would have a completely different take on your motives in cross-examination.
Those lawyer friends would be busy if this turned into litigation and would only be offering mates rates at best.
The ‘winner’ is always the lawyers. Ask your lawyer friends whether they agree with my last statement.
You are 100% correct about the last part, no doubt!
My free advice is to run it by your lawyer friends before you publish, like the ABC.
If you are sued, or sue, in defamation there’s no way out except by agreeing to pay your own legal costs and the other side’s [taxed] legal costs, by judgment, or by agreement.
Banks will NOT lend you a red cent in litigation as they believe the government warning ads about gambling which are on TV.
Think how much the other side’s costs might amount to in litigation – if you lose – then triple that figure [conservatively]. It would be safer to multiply it by 10 and you’d be ‘safe’.
If you are still feeling brave [or “feeling lucky punk?”], ask yourself where the cash flow to support the advice on prospects, litigation costs and eventual barrister/s’ fees will come from.
I forsee a potential bonanza of hifi gear hitting the market.
Steve M [LL. B, Melb]
Thanks, Steve. I don’t have any lawyer friends, but I’ll continue to approach things ethically, professionally and without fear of prosecution as I’ve been doing for the last 15 years. My colleague and I will fact- and word-check the story. I don’t plan on getting sued, but I also won’t let the possibility prevent the truth from being told, even at my low pay grade. Onwards!
Hey Mikey,
Skip the advice, you’re doing fine and put everything in your main squeeze’s ownership for super gag
Then sit back and tora, tora, tora! Hahaha
Hello Mike
These stories are scary especially given that unless one is buying Accuphase, Yamaha, Technics or Luxman new, the only other great hifi available is secondhand and mostly only accessible online.
I can only assume that it was a highly desirable piece of equipment and I feel so sorry for your customer.
Perth hifi enthusiasts are so fortunate that they have access to your services.
All the best
Marius
Thanks, Marius, and you’re right. This is my colleague’s customer, and I believe he is being made whole as we speak, hence the delay in releasing the details. Everyone must be vigilant when purchasing pre-owned equipment and have it professionally inspected wherever possible.
Caveat emptor!
Steve