Buying the Pioneer A06 for the warranty? Beware!

[PictureLake]

If this has been posted elsewhere, I missed it. Pioneer is apparently as picky as Sony when it comes to honoring its warranty. The warranty is valid only if the unit was purchased from an "authorized dealer". The only list I could find on Pioneer's website is a pretty short one. It also includes a Pioneer authorized dealer logo, so presumably there are other authorized dealers besides those listed. However, a quick search of some of my favorite sites failed to find even one that claimed to be a Pioneer authorized dealer.

I've written Pioneer about this, asking for clarification. (Basically, I asked if there's any difference, warranty-wise, between buying the A06 from a dealer who isn't "authorized", vs. buying the 106.) If I get a response (it's been 2 days already), I'll post a followup here. I may just buy the Plextor, and say, screw it.

Ken

[mkelley]

OTOH, if you buy a product for its warranty you are *nearly* as bad as those who pay for extended warranties.

WIth modern electronics only DOA issues are a real problem -- and if you buy from a local store that should take care of that. (I'm happy with both my Sony 500 and Pioneer 106 purchases, even though my Sony did die).

[PictureLake]

Thanks, mkelley, that's an interesting persepective. I never buy extended warranties. I agree that DOA issues are the main problem, and those should be handled by any reputable seller (local or not). But the possibility of it being somewhat marginal and dying after a few weeks bothers me, too.

Interestingly enough, according to PriceGrabber, the A06 is currently less than the 106 (accounting for the $30 rebate being offered by Pioneer through the end of the month). Then again, I just noticed the offer is good only if purchased from "participating retailers", whatever the heck that means.

The Plextor is looking better and better.