How Much Does Damage Affect Value?

Appreciate further comments regarding my purchase, but the amp has been performing perfectly the last few days and I'm going to keep it. I did find out that the Aragon/Acurus brand has been acquired by Indy Audio and I'm going to check on the availability of a front panel there. Long shot, but you never know.

http://www.indyaudiolabs.com/news-page-1.aspx

Hi Smata67:

First off hand I am truly sorry about all the trouble you have experience with your recent transaction. I have taken the time to read and understand others responds/opinions on the issue.

I took a interest reading the thread, because I personally experience a similar circumstance and IMO found that using UPS very risky. Ups dropped a product shipped by me that I took the time and patience to properly secure before shipping and when the buyer receive the product it had damages at the corner similar to yours.

When I spoke to the Ups agent they explained to me that they were entitled to drop up to 6 ft. Needless to say I will never use there services again! I do not think securing beyond at any level guarantees safe delivery with them.

I understand this does not correct the problem but to the sellers integrity packing unit in the original manufactures packaging and box demonstrates proper judgment.

I also have Thiels cs-3.5 and had a Aragon dual mono 4004 amp driving them which I regret selling. Thiels had always endorsed Aragon as the Amp of choice for there speakers. The 3.5's certainly does require high current amperes such as the Aragon flagship 8008 BB.

Enjoy music!

Thanks for the fine words Audiogalore. The damage I experienced went beyond the cosmetic, I have since found additional damage within the unit related to UPS's treatment. A shame for such a great piece, and yes, it sounds very much at home with my CS3.5 speakers. The seller did insure and we are in the process of resolving the issue with UPS one way or another, I am aware that UPS does not own up to its end most of the time. In fact, I had advised the seller not to use UPS initially, but from what I have found out, even the USPS contracts out its handling of 70lb+ packages to UPS, so it may not have made any difference. Very little can be done other than cross ones fingers and hope there is no dropping of the package. One lesson learned: never ship a package of this type, chances are quite good it will be destroyed.

"Thiel had always endorsed Aragon as the Amp of choice for there speakers."?

http://www.thielaudio.com/THIEL_Site05/Pages/FAQs/faqamprecommend.html

http://cgim.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/bb.pl?aragon&1&listmodls&3&4&zz&zz

http://cgim.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/bb.pl?thiel&1&listmodls&3&4&zz&zz

Smata,

If their is internal damage as well and the seller didn't insure it (and you asked) you should have your money refunded, FWIW I don't think any one shipper is much better than any other, the heavy items (like amps) simply tolerate 'acceptable' falls worse than lighter units, simple physics really, but....