2. amps-preamps
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Why are there so many unopened amps, ect for sale?

I've noticed a lot, lately, especially McIntosh, ads for new amplifiers, preamps, ect in boxes never opened by non-dealers, just "regular" people. Are people hesitant to buy these. I myself was looking at a new McIntosh MC352 amp from a private seller. He said it's new and the box has never been opened. I'm rather hesitant to buy it, because why would someone buy it, never open it, and then turn around and sell it? I'm just curious. If it is truly new, would McIntosh warranty it; I'm assuming not since it's not coming from a dealer even though the warranty cards are supposed to be inside the unopened box. I truly would like to buy this amp, but am hesitant, and I'm wondering if anyone else has wondered why there are so many unopened boxes of stereo equipment for sale by non-dealers. Usually when we buy equipment from this site we know it's used equipment, unless it's coming from a dealer. Just a curious question and wondering if anyone had feelings on this subject. Thanks.
btstrg
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ncarv
983 posts
 
Good question, but be aware when buying ANYTHING not from a dealer -- the warranty card is meaningless. It is really just a marketing tool. Whether you send it in or not is irrelevant. The only thing that counts, when you need warranty work, is that you have a receipt from a dealer to show that you bought it new. Also, many high end companies DO allow the warranty to transfer. Mark Levinson is one, there are many others.
garfish
1,840 posts
 
If the original buyer got a "closeout" or "firesale" price buy on the product (maybe a dealer that needed cash etc.), he may just see an opportunity to make a few bucks in re-sale, and of course an "un-opened" box would imply "brand new" and therefore worth more. I don't see anything wrong with that-- it's american capitalism at its best-- still as a buyer, I'd be asking the same question you are.

I bought a McCormack amp with supposedly less than 50 hours on it (not broken in yet-- if true), and the seller more or less admitted that he had gotten an excellent buy on it, tried it out, then sold it to me for a small profit. We were both happy as it was a good amp. Cheers. Craig
budrew
467 posts
 
I have a friend who purchased an amp in an unopened box here on Audiogon. Turns out it was stolen from the manufacturers warehouse.
sean
6,231 posts
 
Budrew, what came of that situation ? While i can understand the manufacturers point that they want their product back, i can also understand that it puts them in a helluva situation in terms of customer service / satisfaction. Even if the guy didn't buy it from an authorized dealer, the fact that he bought their product and brand should tell them something. Sean
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whknopp0713
179 posts
 
Theft does seem a likely explanation. I would definitely check the serial numbers with the manufacturer or distributor. I, for one, want nothing to do with supporting thieves by helping make a market in stolen goods, which is also a crime in itself. Yikes!
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