Better for Separates Newbie: Rotel or Adcom?

Ellery911: You really believe that Rotel, Channel Islands, and Adcom are at the same level as Bose?

Do others concur? I've never before heard any of those brands so likened.

Additionally, Ellery, your intimation that if I don't purchase a Bryston I should just consider Bose is the kind of "you should do this because most folks do it" attitude that does not facilitate trust in the process *at all*.

Warnerwh: Your post was the kind of evidence for which I've searched. Several folks PM'd me with similar themese - but the greatest number of items anyone had purchased used was three components; two others had bought two items, and one bought one. Of those eight purchases 6 were satisfied with all aspects of the transaction, 1 was unhappy with his selection (but the product was fine), and 1 stated that the seller had misinformed him regarding the condition of a unit. Certainly these stats were not enough to really shed light on the situation. However, your nearly 30 purchases *does* make me feel much more comfortable: thank you VERY much for telling your side of the story!

Regardless of your opinions, I am very grateful to be able to read so many replies.

Ivyinvestor,

I live in Fairfax Va so we are practically neighbors. So if you are set on buying new Rotel Gear in this town you are either talking to Myer Emco, Audio Buys, or Tweeter. If you must buy new. (I only buy speakers new but eveything else in my system has been purchased here on Audiogon in 9/10 condition. No issues BTW.)

Go to www.jsaudio.com and talk to Joe Stromnick the owner. He is in downtown Bethesda and carries Bryston, Classe, Musical Fidelity, and other fine electronics. I hear what you are saying about "Buying someone else's junk". However, if you buy those seperates, you are buying mid-fi junk in my opinion. You do know it is made in Tawain don't you?

For the price of the Rotel New with a nice pair of audiophile level interconnects new, you can own a real peice of gear that will make you happy for years to come.

Chris

ROTEL!

NAd silver intergrated...about 1k...used though...

ivyinvestor...sorry...i was being sarcastic about the bose...it is a long running joke here on the gon...I was not trying to imply that "you should do this because most folks do this"...you flat out stated that you didn't want to buy someone elses used "junk". What would you rather have break after 5 years?...a receiver bought new and is now out of warranty...or a 5 year old bryston with 15 years of warranty left. Do whatever you think is appropriate for your case. I feel that Chris (the kid) gives good advice also...he has even listed local shops for you to hear a few different components...whatever you get...make sure that it is your ears that like it...and if you can bring it home for a demo...even better...happy hunting

and no..i don't work for bryston...i used to own one...now have an electrocompaniet...and in a few months...will try something completely different.