Optical audio issue

I have a 950 that I've had for about 8 years. It's been working flawlessly until recently. No matter what the source, if I'm using an optical audio input, the signal keeps dropping off. It will go in and out of Dolby digital to the point where I can't listen anymore. I've tried swapping cables, and changing inputs, but it just keeps happening. So far this has happened on a Blu-Ray player, Media player and a PS3. At this point I'm desperate as I do not want to have to replace or repair this unit, but I'm out of ideas. Anyone else had something similar happen? Any ideas for a fix, maybe a firmware update or something? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Sounds like it may need to have a tuneup at home. Several others have recently sent there equipment back to Outlaw and got it back in like new condition for <$100. Call Outlaw and let them help you troubleshoot it and get it fixed. Unlike a lot of manufacturers, Outlaw can repair their equipment for a very reasonable charge. Try getting any other manufacturers to do that!!

Thanks for the idea. I never thought of that. Since I'm in Canada it might cost a bit for shipping, but customs should leave me alone at least.

Thanks!

Did you end up getting your 950 repaired by Outlaw?

I was thinking about getting repairs, but wonder if I should just buy a used 950.

The manual volume control on my 950 is really acting up. I was trying to get it repaired locally, Outlaw states they will not be able to do it since they will not have access to a service manual. I would think these types of repairs are pretty standard. -Bob

Does the volume knob turn when you use the remote to adjust. Some of the motorized knobs are not easy to fix.

The volume works fine with the remote and the volume knob does not turn. Bob

A quick reply to update what happened with my 970. I sent it in, cost for shipping via Fedex, about $40. Outlaw fixed it for $75 and shipped it back by Fedex ground, cost about $100!!!. I spoke to Jennifer at Outlaw about this, and as usual, Outlaw WILL NOT use any alternate means of shipping, such as USPS. I was told the extra cost to ship back was because Fedex charges a customs clearance fee which is about %30 of the value of the item (which Outlaw put in at $200). In the mail yesterday, I received an invoice from Fedex for another $56 for duties and HST, as well as an "advancement fee" of $10. To my mind, the $75 for repair was extremely fair, but the return shipping and fees are ridiculous. So far, I'm into this for about $250, of which only $75 was the actual work. I'm disputing the additional HST and fees with Fedex (yet another headache associated with the shipping), but I have to say, this "our way or the highway" attitude towards shipping to Canada undoubtedly costs Outlaw customers. In this age of E-Bay, Craigslist and so on, giving customers take-it-or-leave-it shipping options are simply bad business, especially when there are better, cheaper and completely reliable options out there.

Outlaw uses Fedex. Probably based on experience with their quality. I don't think they offer others just because they know what they like. The question is did your equipment arrive undamaged? Of course you could have pre-paid shipping both ways and you could have had it your way. I have always heard complaints about the customs charges but that isn't outlaw $$$.

That is not the case. I asked to prepay the shipping and Outlaw told me they would not work that way, nor would they ship it to me using any other carrier, prepaid or not. I was literally told how it was going to be shipped. My only choice was faster more expensive options, all with Fedex. Yes it arrived undamaged, however, I have used USPS for shipping everything from a $2000 amp to DVD's, and never had a problem with anything being damaged by them either. The difference is, they don't charge usurious customs brokerage fees.

Again, I am very happy with the cost and service provided by outlaw in repairing my unit, but the shipping thing is a serious impediment to anyone in Canada wanting to do business with them.

I live close to Outlaw and they don't allow drop-offs either.

Bob