Service and Update Policies
Please read before returning any product
- All products returned for service or update must include an Audio Research Return Goods Authorization (RGA) form, in the carton, completely filled out with a description of the problem or the reason for return, and a daytime phone number. Failure to enclose the RGA form will cause delay in the service or update process. The returning party is responsible for enclosing the completed RGA form with the product.
The RGA form may be obtained by downloading and printing a PDF file (click here) or by calling Customer Service (763-577-9700).
Audio Research will refuse to repair any product with modifications not approved by our company or deemed by our technical staff to affect its safety or reliability. Please check with our service department before sending in a modified unit for repair.
- For warranty service, a copy of the dated proof of purchase from an authorized Audio Research dealer must accompany the RGA form. Only new products purchased through an authorized Audio Research retailer or importer are eligible for warranty coverage.
- The basic labor rate for non-warranty service work performed at Audio Research is U.S. $90 per hour. A minimum one-hour charge is normally applied to diagnostic service evaluations.
- All vacuum-tube products sent to the factory for service or update must be accompanied by a full complement of tubes (remove tubes and pack securely before shipping) in order to fully evaluate and test the unit's performance. Exceptions may be made for units returned for complete retubing or for an update that includes all new tubes. Contact Customer Service for details.
- Should replacement vacuum tubes be required to complete a repair or update, only Audio Research tubes will be installed in order to assure product performance and to validate the 90-Day Limited Service Warranty.
- If a customer refuses the use of Audio Research parts and/or tubes needed to complete a repair or update; the product will be returned unrepaired at the owner's expense.
- Audio Research only performs factory authorized service and currently-available updates. Custom modifications will not be performed.
- The customer sending in the unit pays round-trip shipping on all non-warranty service and updates, and is solely responsible for payment of any charges. Second-party payment is not permitted. Information about a service unit is only available to the customer sending it in, not to second parties.
- Audio Research does not convert products for use with a different A.C. line voltage.
- For units more than 15 years old, or those which have been unused for a year or more, please contact Customer Service for preliminary advice on possible additional charges that may apply to these special cases.
- Owners of CDT1 transports and CD1 and CD2 compact disc players should call Audio Research Technical Service (763-577-9700) before sending any of these models to Audio Research for repair. Certain repair parts are no longer available for these models. To avoid the expense of needlessly shipping a non-repairable unit, please be certain to call Technical Service beforehand.