I bought a new Samsung 32" 3 series LCD TV from Onking (Kota Damansara branch) early this month. The picture quality was great but the speakers were of very poor quality and the sound will "break" when I turn on the volume. Meddling with the sound settings would not help as well.

I complained to the salesman and he helped me to log a case with Samsung Malaysia. It took one week before a Samsung technician came to my house and inspected my TV, but the conclusion is the speakers are ok and there are no defects with them. I was adviced not to turn on the volume above 50% and not to use the true surround mode. What angered me the most was I was told that Samsung LCD TVs are known for their picture quality while the sound quality is not. Hence, I was also adviced to get a home theater system if I want better sound. This is ridiculous and I cannot accept the fact that the tv does not come with a pair of speakers that can play decent sound. I was very disappointed with the attitude of the Samsung after sales service as well.

I called Onking again to ask for a replacement. Initially I was told they don't have a replacement policy even though I was prepared to exchange it with a different model of a higher price. After telling them I will lodge a complain with consumer affairs, they reluctantly agreed.

I bought the Samsung for RM14XX and managed to exchange it for a Sharp, which has a price tag of RM16XX, resulting in me having to top up an additional RM200, which is fine with me, since I got my exchange.

Then the day after, I saw the same Sharp model selling for RM13XX in another retailer. After checking Ongking's website, the price of the Sharp model is listed as RM15XX!!! I was angry and disappointed with what has happened and I've vowed not to buy anything from them again.

The lesson is please do your survey properly and do not believe that the smaller or local retailers have better prices.

Well, i admit I did not do a proper survey but with kids tagging along every time u go shopping, it would be difficult.

I don't have very high standards, but at least the TV should have speakers that can play decent sound. Just imagine when u r enjoying a good movie like Avatar and you have to watch with low volume.

The Sharp model which I got has much more better speakers which plays much louder without breaking a sweat!!!

well said...

I know the speakers in the 32" lcd tv will not be able to churn out loud or good quality sound, but at least it can be turn to a reasonable volume where my family can enjoy watching in a room. I'm not even talking about good bass or surround sound quality here.

In fact the salesman did not even warned or informed me about the sound quality of the said model when I was in the shop. Based on my experience watching other 32" lcd tvs which a few of my relatives owned, the sound quality was ok and the speakers did not "break" when you turn on the volume.