That Other Audiophile Website

I purchased a cd player from a seller on that other audiophile website. When I took it out of the box it reeked of cigarette smoke. I contacted the seller and got nowhere. I contacted that other website. I was told it's the buyers responsibility to investigate the seller before making a purchase.  I gave the seller a negative review. My review was removed, and I was banned from making further comments about my experience. Almost a month later I'm still trying to get a refund. PayPal is going to try and help me. Talk about unethical. Anyone have a similar experience?