I have reread this thread since the last post. I notice that many on here have or know folks who purchase items on reviews and not on listening. I don't get it. I never have and never will. I can't imagine spending any money on audio without listening to it, unless you get a full refund if you don't like it. It's an easy way to lose money and stay frustrated.
I just ordered my new Vandersteen Quatro's this past week as the buyer for my Treo's came to pick them up. I made sure to keep them in the system so that the purchaser could listen to them first to make sure that they were what he was looking for. I"ve heard the Quatro's so many times in so many rooms and with so many electronics and I knew that I wanted them. It's most probably the last speaker that I ever purchase, unless I win the lottery.
I notice many posters make statements about folks spending so much on their hobby and passions. To make the statement that YOU won't ever spend that kind of money seems fine, but who are we to make those statements about folks who can afford to spend that money? They are keeping companies in business as those expensive speakers allow those same companies to market more affordable gear to those of us who can't afford the more expensive gear. I bet that 'normal' people look at any high end audio junkie and call them nuts for what THEY spend on their gear and music.
As for the thread, I too have noticed that too many retailers 'get rid of gear' by selling their new stuff as used on Audiogon or other sites. All that does is devalue the manufacturer. It's been done for years. Often it's a maker using a third party to move their gear to make something and not have to offer a warrantee possibly. Often an amp company will offer their new products as B stock just to move things. Personally, I will always try to stay with a company that stands behind it's products and keep their resale value. JMHO
I just ordered my new Vandersteen Quatro's this past week as the buyer for my Treo's came to pick them up. I made sure to keep them in the system so that the purchaser could listen to them first to make sure that they were what he was looking for. I"ve heard the Quatro's so many times in so many rooms and with so many electronics and I knew that I wanted them. It's most probably the last speaker that I ever purchase, unless I win the lottery.
I notice many posters make statements about folks spending so much on their hobby and passions. To make the statement that YOU won't ever spend that kind of money seems fine, but who are we to make those statements about folks who can afford to spend that money? They are keeping companies in business as those expensive speakers allow those same companies to market more affordable gear to those of us who can't afford the more expensive gear. I bet that 'normal' people look at any high end audio junkie and call them nuts for what THEY spend on their gear and music.
As for the thread, I too have noticed that too many retailers 'get rid of gear' by selling their new stuff as used on Audiogon or other sites. All that does is devalue the manufacturer. It's been done for years. Often it's a maker using a third party to move their gear to make something and not have to offer a warrantee possibly. Often an amp company will offer their new products as B stock just to move things. Personally, I will always try to stay with a company that stands behind it's products and keep their resale value. JMHO