New pre-amplifier?

In the case, of DELL they want to make sure the machines that are returned do not come back again to them again. I think there is better testing on these refurbished machines than the new ones.

Of course, some returns are not because of failures but of configuration errors, such as the $24k server I mentioned. That one had a 32-bit OS installed and required a 64-bit one (or it may have been the Workstation laptop it got). Though these configuration errors seem to be not the majority issue on the DELL site.

You don’t , and what brand is it and price , when buying a preamp Never 

buy one with a  $20  Alps blue velvet look in your preamp ,

prima luna a perfect example $5k and you see a round Silver round can 

which is just 2 plastic wipers with a contact spray on the plastic 

youwant a resistive ladder, or relay which is night and day better l

Linear Tube Audio makes a excellent preamp that is built far better then most for under $6k.

Why, would a manufacturer risk their reputation in this day and age, when anything even remotely underhanded is reported all over the internet?

Perhaps, you should go to the factory, and watch them build the unit and package it up for you?

Companies that sell direct, have B-Stock listings specifically to deal with gear that either has some blemish, or, something that has been returned.

Dealers have B-Stock listings also.

What would possibly make you think that this would be some kind of action the company you’re buying from would do? Is there any evidence of this? If there is, why would you buy from them? If there isn’t, where is this paranoia coming from?

I’m with yy.

I’ve bought remanufactured computers and and even some lawn care equipment and never had a problem.

@audioman - you have something against ALPS?  LOL.  Counterpoint used carbon pots in their preamps that were $5K!.  But that was way back in the day!  Prima Luna besides looking at the volume control, take a look at the names on the other parts!

Happy Listening.