I just ordered an OP-Z (with Thomann, DE) and got a unit which was built in 2019. I figured it out, because I did a firmware update and the installed firmware was pretty old (so I checked with TE). TE also told me that they slightly improved the build quality in the meantime (so getting one from a new batch could be better). So far, there are no severe issues with the unit though.
My question is: do you check the production year when ordering gear? Do you care about that? Or do you just check if the unit works as intended?
Maybe it’s just me, but I think it’s a bit strange to get such an old unit. Not quite sure how to handle this (I’m still working the 30 day money-back guarantee).
I don’t usually check manufacture date. It is possible that your OP-Z was sitting on a ship for two years. Hopefully that won’t remain normal for long.
I bought an op-z in 2020 and was very happy with it, but after a year I got a few double triggers and then some distorted audio, so sent it back to the retailer for repair before the warranty ran out. They couldn’t fix it, so sent me a replacement a couple months ago.
The new op-z unit feels very different. It struck me immediately. Literally the plastic feels harder and the encoders are a bit stiffer/less smooth (but not in a problematic way). I have had zero double triggers in a couple months of use. I presume this is a newer unit, simply because I got it two years later, but do not know for sure. I guess the difference could just be manufacturing inconsistencies? I’ve only ever experienced the two op-z I’ve owned, so tough to compare.
Is the only way to tell the production date by asking TE directly?
Interestingly the firmware on the new unit was stated as 1.2.8 which doesn’t exist as a download. I put on 1.2.45 to work with the line out module.
As a normal part of the injection molding process they have probably done slight updates to the tool and also optimized the parameters on the injection molding machine. This is very common and is why there is the “baby disease” among new products… they haven’t optimized the manufacturing process at launch…
I would guess that you are more likely to get a newer device if you order directly from TE. Its most probable that Thomann has had a cpl of OP-Z lying around for quiet some time, while TE seem to want to keep stocks limited…