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Buying used vs. New

Does anyone have reservations about buying used?
I used to swear buy it until recently. I bought a preamp that arrived with a humming problem from the transformer because the delivery company dropped it. Fortunately, I had bought it new and the store was able to replace it. I was just thinking, what if this was used, I would be out of luck in terms of getting it fixed. Also, I bought a used piece of equipment on Audiogon a few years ago that is now giving me trouble. It is out of warranty and was fairly expensive, and now has issues. Now I'm seriously considering buying new, even though my money will only stretch about half as far.
fruff1976
macrojack
1,292 posts
 
I really can't buy locally. Period. It isn't here to be had.
So that takes care of the shipping damage question because everything-new or used-is going to be shipped.
Scams are another issue entirely and I think you can avoid a lot of that by just not buying without a phone conversation.
Then there's price.

I buy a lot of stuff used because I'd rather let someone else absorb CERTAIN DEPRECIATION while I gamble on having to pay for POSSIBLE REPAIRS.

Either way, when I sell it, it will be used.
seditious3
183 posts
 
I cannot afford new for the quality of equipment I want, so it's primarily used for me.

If I were spending a few thousand on a piece and had reservations, I'd fly to where it is and get it there, or ship it from there. A flight is worth saving a few grand (by buying used) and having peace of mind.

I buy and sell hifi and musical instruments on the side. I buy in person and sell primarily on Ebay. My experiences have all been positive, but I'm prepared for the occasional loss.
devaaudio's avatar
devaaudio
39 posts
 
Seditious3, That sounds like a good idea... Fly to the place of sale and check it out. I'm not sure how many people would welcome a stranger into their home though???
raquel
841 posts
 
Regarding the comment in the above post stating that only CD players and speakers present a risk of no longer being fixable due to lack of availability of parts, solid-state power amps (and unfortunately, some of the very high-end ones) sometimes cannot be fixed because the output transistors for them are no longer made.
audioblazer's avatar
audioblazer
321 posts
 
So far I have bought a few cables used, transport and center channel speaker and shipped all the way to malaysia without much problem.With the amt of savings I thk its worth the risk. However buying from reliable sellers is important. I would encourage using paypal. If there is a problem with the purchase at least there is an avenue to go to. I have spent tonnes of money on LP the last 2years without much problem. Let's hope it stay this way for me. Happy listening
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