Another bad dock

[rickth1]

I am on my second dock.  The first one lasted over a month, the last one only a few days.  I was getting very worried I was stuck with a poorly designed product, but I feel better after seeing this forum and that repesentives are actually montoring it and repling... thanks

My question is... after reading that I am not alone and many have bad docks, are they being redesigned with new components since it is obviously a defective product?  I am tempted to send the whole thing back for a new one, but it would have the same dock, and they are crap.. so why bother.  I would wait 3 months for a new one if they are improved.  The system sound great, but it is ashame the dock is defective.  I am even more worried about the dock after the warrenty goes out.  This could be rediculus keeing it running.  

Another question.. will the Apple dock work with it?

I just read that these are discontinued.  This concern me, and I think I know why they were dropped.. they don't work very long.  Help please.. what can I do with something I bought last Nov and have only been able to hear it for about 3 weeks now?  This is very frustrating.  I don't have the box and that seems to be a requirement to return.

thanks

[Jay481985]

to be honest I think it is user fault.... why they keep failing. Also yeah they didn't drop it cause of what you believe it to be.

[greenkite71]

User fault? Putting the iPod in the dock and using the system equates to user fault? Get real... I'm on my third iFi (from two different Costcos), and the dock just failed on this one too (an hour before the Superbowl, so I couldn't watch the game).

There should be nothing a user can do to damage the unit with normal use, yet these docks keep failing. I'd love to keep mine, because the speakers sound magnificent, but the dock is just a flawed design. And by the way, if you will claim next that it is my iPod, I'm on my second 5th generation video iPod (dropped first one), and the same thing happened with dock #2. One day, I put my iPod in, horrible noise, then the volume went to maximum, and stayed there. Also, I have a Belkin dock for my car, and it has performed well throughout this whole period. It is not my iPod, it is NOT user fault -- it is a design flaw (or more than one).

With dock #3, the failure is even more severe. Even the AUX IN audio doesn't work, but if I turn off the system using the power switch on the subwoofer, I get about a 1/4 second of full volume sound... then nothing.

I'm about ready to call my Klipsch foray a failure and move on, but I am hoping that Klipsch will do SOMETHING. I don't want to send my whole system in: I just want a dock that will work right and keep working for 5 years, at least. I hear there is a long waiting list for replacement docks, but I have to ask the same question as the original poster... Will the replacement be any better than the original? Can a Klipsch engineer give a definitive answer? If yes, I might be willing to give it a go, but it needs to be shipped this week, not in 3 weeks.

Klipsch: it is time for some real answers. I bought all 3 from Costco, and you are about to eat the 3rd (I hear Costco sends them back to you).

[Jay481985]

User fault? Putting the iPod in the dock and using the system equates to user fault? Get real... I'm on my third iFi (from two different Costcos), and the dock just failed on this one too (an hour before the Superbowl, so I couldn't watch the game).

Get real, I am being real..... When something breaks over and over and it is replaced and happens to be electronic most likely something is wrong on the other end. I wonder how the ifi inhibited you watching the superbowl btw?

There should be nothing a user can do to damage the unit with normal use, yet these docks keep failing. Uh...... sure and normal use to one person is torture to another. I love my neighbor who drove their car thinking that they could do as the commercial says of welding the engine hood shut (cough toyota) and blatantly telling me that a toyota doesn't need a motoroil change. I'd love to keep mine, because the speakers sound magnificent, but the dock is just a flawed design. Say who? And by the way, if you will claim next that it is my iPod, I'm on my second 5th generation video iPod (dropped first one), and the same thing happened with dock #2. One day, I put my iPod in, horrible noise, then the volume went to maximum, and stayed there. Also, I have a Belkin dock for my car, and it has performed well throughout this whole period. It is not my iPod, it is NOT user fault -- it is a design flaw (or more than one).

With dock #3, the failure is even more severe. Even the AUX IN audio doesn't work, but if I turn off the system using the power switch on the subwoofer, I get about a 1/4 second of full volume sound... then nothing.

I'm about ready to call my Klipsch foray a failure and move on, but I am hoping that Klipsch will do SOMETHING. I don't want to send my whole system in: I just want a dock that will work right and keep working for 5 years, at least. I hear there is a long waiting list for replacement docks, but I have to ask the same question as the original poster... Will the replacement be any better than the original? Can a Klipsch engineer give a definitive answer? If yes, I might be willing to give it a go, but it needs to be shipped this week, not in 3 weeks.

Klipsch: it is time for some real answers. I bought all 3 from Costco, and you are about to eat the 3rd (I hear Costco sends them back to you).

[rickth1]

Jay... while I appreciate your perspective, I am aware of

many.. many products brought to market in my lifetime (57 years so far) with

some design or production flaw.  Unfortunately these things happen. 

I happen to use many electronic devices daily, I am right now actually... and

the iFI dock stands out as a product with issues.  If the reports on this

forum don't illustrate the issue to you and you see it as user error, well,

thats you perspective, but products can turn out bad sometimes, even by good companies.  Often it takes a class action suit to

make the companies own up to the issue, for example many computer companies

have gone through this.  Since this is

such a small user base that probably want happen, but I am hoping  Klipsch will do the right thing which seems to be take them back (since it seems they are discontinued so there want be a redesign).  This product must have a design or

production flaw or there would not be so many complaints.  I am very good with my electronic

devices.  I love them and treat

them well.  There is only so much

you can do really.  You plug it in,

insert the iPod or connect the computer and it works or it doesnt.  No tossing it in the air or pouring

water on it.  It just has a major

issue somewhere that breaks the volumn/balance control.  It is a physical issue, not a

mental/emotional defect of the user. I am curious why you are so defensive about this, it's just my perspective based on my experience?

[spyderracer393]

Jay... while I appreciate your perspective, I am aware of

many.. many products brought to market in my lifetime (57 years so far) with

some design or production flaw.  Unfortunately these things happen. 

I happen to use many electronic devices daily, I am right now actually... and

the iFI dock stands out as a product with issues.  If the reports on this

forum don't illustrate the issue to you and you see it as user error, well,

thats you perspective, but products can turn out bad sometimes, even by good companies.  Often it takes a class action suit to

make the companies own up to the issue, for example many computer companies

have gone through this.  Since this is

such a small user base that probably want happen, but I am hoping  Klipsch will do the right thing which seems to be take them back (since it seems they are discontinued so there want be a redesign).  This product must have a design or

production flaw or there would not be so many complaints.  I am very good with my electronic

devices.  I love them and treat

them well.  There is only so much

you can do really.  You plug it in,

insert the iPod or connect the computer and it works or it doesnt.  No tossing it in the air or pouring

water on it.  It just has a major

issue somewhere that breaks the volumn/balance control.  It is a physical issue, not a

mental/emotional defect of the user. I am curious why you are so defensive about this, it's just my perspective based on my experience?

I really don't want to get into this argument, but you are very wrong in saying, "This product must have a design or production flaw or there would not be so many complaints," because looking at a forum, you aren't seeing a single percent of all iFi users in the world.  The only people that come to forums are those in need of help, those looking to help people, and these that need help making a decision.  People don't come onto the forums and say, "I LOVE MY IFI! EVERYONE SHOULD GET ONE, IT HAS SUCH BALANCED SOUND AND THE CROSSOVER IS GREAT, etc, etc, etc."

[rickth1]

I really hope you are right, I love the sound quality.  It is worrisome that there are so many complaints on the docks.  Most people wouldn't even realize or seek to find a forum to check on this issue, so I don't agree with that logic, nothing personal:)  "We" are not the norm.  There are often products that have flaws... there just are.  I truly hope this is not one, but I am concern I spent this much and it might have such a limited life.  I've had 2 die, others seem to have had similar experiences in the same way.  The breakdowns are described in the same way.  Klipsch can't keep up with replacements.  That's not good.  Produce loyalty is nice to a certian expent.  I love my Macs too, but Apple can be tricky and they do get caught.  I love Apple.. the stock has treated me well. but I can acknowledge they can and do screw up.  You don't necessarily hear about it unless you go to the forum.  Same with Archicad, the CAD program I beta test and use everyday.  Sometimes they just don't get it right, and all the loyality in the world doesn't help.  I love my Genisis 501 speakers, but the early models has issues with the servo amp.  I still love them... best sounding speakers I have ever had, but they had a design flaw.  Fortunally they still make the speakers and you can get the upgraded amps.  It seems Klipsch is dropping this produce and I have one that I can't use.

Best wishes to you

[tc3sean]

How exactly are they breaking for you rick? Just not working once plugged in? I am sorry they are not working out for you, It's a shame, they're a very good 2.1 system. I would contact klipsch's support lines

Klipsch ProMedia Customer Support

Toll Free: 1-888-554-5665

Mon - Fri, 8AM - 5PM ET

Email: promedia@klipsch.com

Best regards.

-Sean

[rickth1]

Sean.. basically the same description I have read elsewhere ( i-Fi volume control malfunction ). All was well and then the sound started jumping from one small speaker to the other as you turn the volume control, and nothing from the base.. most 0f the time. Very erratic jumping around and at a high volume. However, the last time I tried (the second base) I just got erratic static from the iPod. I can connect my computer and since I can turn that volume down I can sometimes fuss with the base volume enough to get the sound out of all speakers, but it is not a sure thing.. and tedious. I really do love the sound for what it is. I tried the Apple iPod speaker system and I like this one so much more. I don't want to give up on it, but I would like to feel confident I can get one to last fro a long time.

[Champagne taste beer budget]

Rick, look around and tell me how many failures you've seen reports of. 50? 100? I'm not going to take the time to look, but I'd venture it's a lot lower number than that. Now if Klipsch had sold 500 of these and had 100 failures, I'd say there was a design flaw. I obviously don't know the real number, and doubt Klipsch would disclose it, but let's guess 50,000. Let's also assume that only 1 in 5 failure owners find their way to the Klipsch forum. So if you find 50 failure reports, that would be 250 failures out there. Not a good number at first glance. But if they sold 50,000 units, that's one in every 200, or 1/2%. I don't see where anyone could claim a .5% failure rate is a design flaw. I'm also confident that not ALL failures are based on the exact same internal failure, say resistor R17, but the same SYMPTOM could be displayed if resistor R21 failed. So if we pick a number, say there three common things that do actually fail when these units quit, then the unit failure rate remains the same, but the component failure rate goes down to .166% Think of that number. If Klipsch initially tested 1000 thingamabobs, switch/resistor/IC/what have you, and had 1 and 1/2 of them fail during testing, would you claim that said thingamabob had a design flaw? I won't say I think it's user error, but I surely think "design flaw" is a gross overstatement.

[rickth1]

I am surprised how personally people are taking this.  I have no idea what the issue is, I am an end used, not a technician.  I said it seems like a design flaw.. maybe a component problem with a limited batch of whatevers.. based on my experience with the iFI and what I have read on this forum.  I don't care what the problem really is, and I have no intentions to insult anyone.  I simply have had this iFI system since Nov and have only heard it for a few weeks.  The first base died, then a second base died.  That's all I know.  I looked on this forum and read the same description of breakdowns.  Maybe it's my personal electrical energy field blasting it into a parallel dimension, along with a few other humans with similar energy fields.. beats me.   But, when several users report similar issues, there may be an issue with it. 

Great companies have flawed products from time to time.  If it is just one bad component, that can be labeled a design flaw.  I have made my living as a designer for 35 years, and I have made design errors in product specification before.. that's life.  Something seems off here, that's all.

Rick Thompson

http://thompsonplans.com

[greenkite71]

I've not mistreated my iFi. This unit is less than 2 months old. I am very gentle with it, especially so, since the other two failed (I kept hoping the next would be better, since the sound is so magnificent).

One day, I docked my iPod, and the horrid thing that has happened two times before happened again -- weird noise, volume cutting in and out, and then the iFi is pinned at maximum. It is NOT my iPod, this is the 2nd 5th generation iPod I have used, and both have worked flawlessly in my Belkin car dock. Please, Jay, tell me how plugging in an iPod could be user error? It is irrational. And three times in a row? It could be a number of things, but it is not "user error".

Design flaws happen. Klipsch won't admit it, because corporations don't do that. If there ever is legal action (and given the narrow user base, there never will be), it would make their case very weak. But a company with the future in mind would do everything they could to address the issue, because if customers have a good support experience, they keep coming back. Unless Klipsch steps up to the plate, I won't ever buy another Klipsch product again (and I was pondering buying a home theater system).

I have a Grundig shortwave radio that I love. I had a problem with a loose antenna coupling, and I mailed it out to California to be fixed. It was out of warranty, but it was back in my hands the next week, fixed, with NO CHARGE and a handwritten note from the technician who fixed the issue. Grundig won my loyalty for a lifetime. That's smart business.

What is Klipsch doing wrong? They know what the problem is. We know they know, because brilliant engineers are needed to produce such amazing speakers. They have enough defective units to know EXACTLY what the issue is. There has been no recall. Three month wait? Please. Find another supplier, Klipsch. And even if we wait those 3 months, we have not been given any indication that the replacement docks will be any better.

I keep hoping that Klipsch steps up, but my hope is fading, because I know support personnel read these forums daily, and the silence over the last few weeks has been deafening.

If I ever do manage to get a replacement dock, I know one thing: I will NEVER plug my iPod into the dock port. I'll use the AUX line-in instead -- I'm guessing it will last a lot longer.

[greenkite71]

Three in a row. That number is NOT made up. All of yours are. We have no idea what the true gross numbers are. Your post is pure speculation.

I agree, however, that three in a row does not necessarily indicate a design issue. It could be a faulty part from a supplier, a temporary issue on the assembly line, or the like. Nor does it really matter. Klipsch needs to address the issue in spectacular fashion, or lose customers. That's the way business works.

I once bought a Panasonic printer which would distort at least one line of text on every page. I brought it in for repair and Panasonic said there was nothing wrong with it. Even though I had output samples to prove it. They refused to address the issue. That was 20 years ago. I have not bought a single Panasonic product (to my knowledge, but perhaps some other products had internal parts that were made by Panasonic) since then, and I never will.

Are you listening, Klipsch?

[OuTpaTienT]

Are you listening, Klipsch?

Unfortunately I don't think they are. I've lost a great deal of respect for Klipsch just from observing how they are handling these problems with the IFI. And of course what's their ultimate solution? Discontinue the product. Way to go.

[tc3sean]

Are you listening, Klipsch?

Unfortunately I don't think they are. I've lost a great deal of respect for Klipsch just from observing how they are handling these problems with the IFI. And of course what's their ultimate solution? Discontinue the product. Way to go.

Wtf are you talking about, The reason it got canceled was because of costs, as Jay said before in a post. Not because of a cry babies on the forums.

[Jay481985]

remember it was 100 dollars more thenthe bose sounddock in which one is a bose and one is not.....

[ZMTomako]

my iFis stopped working a while ago and i've gone through tech support and such...

after reading this and other posts, the replacement dock will solve things, but it runs the risk of THAT dying as well... not to mention is hard to even get a dock now?

so heres my question, what can i do with a perfectly fine subwoofer and 2 perfectly fine satellites?

is there a way to power and operate the system without the dock?

[Amy]

I apologize to those of you who have posted in here and haven't received a response directly from Klipsch. This forum is really meant for peer to peer support, and the best way to contact us is directly by email or phone. We do not always see every post.

promedia@klipsch.com

888-554-5665

ZMTomako,

I do not know of a way to run the subwoofer without the dock, sorry!

[Jianco]

Bottom line is that there is a flaw or issue with the docking system.

If you read a report here and you can read about 50 or 10 people that have issues, truest me multiply that by 100 or more
for the ones that don't use the net, or know they're outside the warrantee and can't do anything about it.

What I want to hear and see is a damn replacement for sale, I read that is back-ordered for months and months! If Klipsch is
uncapable to deliver, source out to Korea, China or Taiwan and I'm sure they can get one out in a week or two.

Another would be have a 3rd party or OEM product out there as a replacement and start ebaying them...

Another is take them back to Costco or if they have them for sale, just buy, return old ones.. or everyone that has problems
with them I encourage them to write to their vendor/Costco where they purchase them and maybe they get dropped from future
stocks to sell.

What it looks like they made millions off iFi through Costco and now they turned their backs on their customers. We're not asking
for freebies but replacement docks, release your schematics to someone that's willing to manuf. and sell them.

[dbert]

My replacement dock worked for about a month. Same problem.