Is B stock a safe bet?

Beware of sellers on Agon who list an item as "new" but don't disclose that it's B stock.

I like the phrase bet in your title, that indicates a risk, and that's what your are getting when you buy b-stock. I would guess that b-stock gear has a higher chance of coming into another problem down the road but is the discount worth the added risk? I think it would depend on the manufacturer/

Would anyone make a $500 wager that your 3910 will break down within 3 years? No way! Get the b-stock and buy some DVDs with the $500!

I have had good luck with "B Stock", or as they used to say "Factory Seconds". Sometimes it just means that the manufacturer made too many, and needs to clear inventory without reducing MSRP. But do be sure it comes from an authorized dealer. If it was a "demo" it is "broken in" for you.

I used to work at an audio store 10 years ago. At the time a 3-letter British mid-fi manufacturer had a lot of problems with their brand new recievers/integrated amps. The brand new ones that were sold and came back (about 4 out of 10) were sent to our in house technicians who would fix them all up and give them proper bias adjustments and calibrations. In fact, these "B" stock items were BETTER than brand new, same warranty and 30% off. I still like those mellow sounding but gutsy and plenty of amp little guys.....