GUY D.
I ordered the $449 Sumiko Wellfleet…
Long ago, I came to understand how easy it can be to fall short of others' expectations, both personally and professionally. For that reason, I think being able to give a second chance to companies that admit an error and look to correct it, is in order. The professional and timely response of Sky by Gramophone to the experience detailed below, has required me to take a second look at the company. I've been contacted by the CEO of the company and called with follow up inquiries, all in an effort to ensure my issues were addressed. Sky has worked hard to earn my future business and, for that reason, I will consider them for my future audio needs. I ordered the $449 Sumiko Wellfleet cartridge. Normally, my choice in audio stores is Crutchfield. In this case, Sky Gramophone was the only merchant with the Wellfleet in stock. When it arrived, I mounted it on the tone arm of my Pro-ject X-2 while wearing silk gloves and exercising extreme caution. Once on, the initial sound was less than ideal...not horrible,but nearly as good as my Moonstones or Amethyst. I have a great deal of experience installing cartridges. I use an electronic balance, an azimuth tool, I keep the stylus protector on and I maintain a dust free environment. I examined the stylus with 1000x powered microscope. When I informed Sky Gramophone of the defective product, they informed that it would need to be returned at my expense, with a 20% charge, a restocking fee, and that I would need to insure the return package. All of this added up to my losing $150 because Sky Gramophone sent a defective cartridge. But wait, it gets worse! Days after receiving the Wellfleet, Sky Gramophone calls to tell me that I am responsible for the damaged cartridge. At this point, I am beginning my campaign to alert consumers about this company and its treatment of customers. I am also investigating what legal remedies I have.