Columns Retired Columns & Blogs |
I like new stuff.
Answering last week's "Vote," many of you indicated that you buy new in a store, but buy used on-line. If that's true of you, where do you like to shop for used audio gear on the Internet?
I bought speakers (Revel Studion), an amp (McIntosh), and an SACD player (Sony) from Audiogon. I've been extremely happy with them. The local dealer for these products wanted $800 to $2000 over MSRP! I paid, on average, 55% of MSRP and no taxes. What's not to like?
Although I am in a "tie" for buy/sells, I have had good luck thus far. I have not made any major equipment purchases, but have considered some and may someday make a major purchase when the right deal comes along. I have made some major purchases from audioclassics.com and have had very good service and product representation. So when the right choice presents itself, yes I will buy via internet.
I use two: Audiogon for high end (ARC, etc), and eBay for other stuff (mid '70s Marantz quad, NAD amps, etc). Also, some other web retailers such as saturdayaudioexchange, audioconsultants, playitagainsam, and others have some good used equipment.
Hands down, better than dealer demo except for not getting original warranty but when your buying from a reputable gear from a reputable site it's a win, win situation. One of the best places to meet other enthusiast also.
I have purchased two CD players, a DVD player, and a power amp via eBay. I have had extremely good fortune with the purchases I have madeno problems. In addition I have purchased quite a number of tubes from eBay. The DVD player came from an eBay e-store. I would recommend the e-stores for used or nearly new purchases. My DVD came with the manufacturer's warranty and original packaging.
All of the three listed, plus AudioShopper. Shopping around these four sites gives me a fairly accurate reading on the current market value of a given item, which is also very useful when I'm selling instead of buying. Good deals can be found at all of the sites, given caution to watch out for the occasional rascal. The most consistent site for quality of components offered seems to be Audiogon.
Without a doubt, Audiogon gets my vote as the best used audio equipment site out there. I've purchased through their service a number of times and rarely have a problem. It's the best designed site that I know of as well. I addition, the cost of $2 for a month of advertising can't be beat.
Have completed over 50 successful transactions on Audiogon, both buying and selling everything from Cardas Caps to a brand new Denon 5803 receiver and B&K Reference 200.7 amp, both for 60% of retail list price. One week ago, I got burned for $2400 on a FedEx COD shipment. The buyer gave FedEx a forged cashier's check for a Denon 5800 receiver. Beware brothers and sisters, it's a jungle out there.