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Buying large audio equipment

Hey Guys,

After purchasing some sweet Polk audio tweeters from Amazon, I'm now one step away from completing our "home theatre" system. Only thing left is a nice woofer but as I was about to get it from Amazon, I literally removed it from the cart. The only thing that's holding me back is the size.

I don't purchase large electronics online. Just because of safety reasons and the annoyance that may come with returning or exchange the product etc.  I trust Amazon and love how they release an invoice right away but still . . .

Have you guys ever bought any large audio equipment online. Is it a safe bet? Or am I better off just walking into a BestBuy, etc.
jumperboy
secretguy
1,716 posts
 
I made a vow not to buy anything from BB. LOL
n80
2,117 posts
 
Maybe off topic....but what makes some of this stuff so heavy? My speakers weigh 130 pounds each with metal bases attached. I understand that...large magnets, lots of structural stuff to keep them rigid etc. But, my amp (250wpc Madrigal Proceed HPA2 (Levinson)) weighs about 100 pounds and looks like most of the bulk is heat sink. But the heat sink is in the back and all the weight is up front. What makes an amp so heavy and in this day and age is that really necessary?
djones51
4,947 posts
 
It's the transformers. That amp the HPA2 has 2 of them in the front. 
jumperboy OP
4 posts
 
Just look it over top-to-bottom when it arrives. If there is obvious damage, simply refuse delivery and make drive note on receipt.Also, all Amazon items are returnable if D.O.A., I believe...

Yeah I guess. I prefer Amazon right now over anything anyways. Thx for the responses guys.

@secretguy  - Totally! I actually despise BestBuy but felt like I had no choice. 5 years ago I bought a TV from them and it was such a mess.

I will definitely by big ticket items online now. As long as I hold on to my receipt, I think I'll be alright. Cheers!
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
My experience is very good for all large pieces EXCEPT subs!

Usually the speaker basket and magnet are so heavy unless they are packaged like fort knox then invariably they break in transit.
Had two myself suffer this so subs I now will only buy local and collect.
While I agree Amazon is easy enough to return if damaged the aim is to get one in perfect shape and NOT go through all the hassle of returns, upset etc.
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