As a matter of fact, power cord can be replaced for 29USD but I guess - as with many things around Apple - people are constantly hungry of nonsensual proofs how evil Apple is.

https://9to5mac.com/2018/02/10/apple-homepod-detached-damanged-cable-repair-pricing/

Roger wrote:

$279 to replace the power cord? To remove it is a straight pull: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjxILSOfJmQ

I've read that $279 is the standard out-of-warranty repair cost. If the powercord gets damaged the cost is $39 to replace it, upon assessment on how it got damaged.  I guess if Apple believes the way it got damaged doesn't fall within its criteria to be a $39 repair, that will open up a market for 3rd party power cables that can easily be replaced by the user. Check eBay!!!

Mark-N wrote:

Roger wrote:

$279 to replace the power cord? To remove it is a straight pull: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjxILSOfJmQ

I've read that $279 is the standard out-of-warranty repair cost. If the powercord gets damaged the cost is $39 to replace it, upon assessment on how it got damaged.  I guess if Apple believes the way it got damaged doesn't fall within its criteria to be a $39 repair, that will open up a market for 3rd party power cables that can easily be replaced by the user. Check eBay!!!

 

Seems like its difficult to open https://www.engadget.com/2018/02/12/apple-homepod-teardown/

For those of an audiophile bent, it would appear the HomePod is a technical tour de force and has superb measurements...

On top of being fully active with 8 speakers and 8 amplifiers, the 'treble' speakers are actually BMR radiators - state of the art stuff really.

An very interesting review here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/7wwtqy/apple_homepod_the_audiophile_perspective/

Cheers

John. 

Different opinions also exist ...

https://www.consumerreports.org/smart-speakers/apple-homepod-early-test-results/

I won't buy it but, if I did, HomePod is small and light enough that the chance of it being tossed about would warrant buying their special warranty. I would call it disposable. My MX4200 running Roku into BL3000s is good enough for me and my ears. 

I doubt Apple care about B&O, B&W, Meridian, or even Sonos and Bose, one bit, unless they need to grow. If HomePod is about them entering the premium lifestyle audio business we all know Apple could empty the shelves of all competition in the Apple Stores and distribution channel within months. That would shift the Chinese audio business for sure ;-)

Samsung have Harmon; Maybe Apple want to play with the company they love to hate? Let's see if they create additional products and then we will know. 

Doubt I'll ever buy one, nor a Sonos or anything else like that, though I admit I use my Beolit 15 more than I thought I would. I don't doubt the HomePod will turn out to be a good quality, good sounding product, and woe be unto any manufacturer that Apple decides to hit directly in competition with, they don't play with half measures when they decide to try and dominate a market niche.

And, no surprise, this is apparently another product designed to not be repaired, but thrown into the dump when it breaks. Which is a sad commentary on the times, but I long ago learned that things, especially cars, are designed to be manufactured. Repaired? Not so much or easily, and with "inexpensive" electronics, not repaired at all. Throw away society.

But then, I don't think most Play products are all that repairable either.

Jeff wrote:

But then, I don't think most Play products are all that repairable either.

as far as i know are there no spare parts for BeoPlay-products except for the A9

egges wrote:

Jeff wrote:

But then, I don't think most Play products are all that repairable either.

as far as i know are there no spare parts for BeoPlay-products except for the A9

Well...there you go. Brave new world I guess. I used to always say if I can't fix it, it ain't broke, but nowadays...

This actually brings up a really good point.  I have 3 Beolit 15’s and 3 Beoplay A1’s.  Are there no replaceable parts for any of ‘em?  Not even the batteries?  Can the speakers be re-foamed?  Egad!