Previous Ownership...does it matter to you?

@akg_ca ,

Well, I’d never purchase something where I knew the seller was lying.

I’ve bought many a piece of gear that was used, mostly from private parties, some from dealers.

Some experiences have been better than others, but overall, I’ve done OK.

I think most people (and companies) are inherently "good" people, and aren’t intentionally trying to deceive anyone.

I’m sure there are a few snakes out there, but overall, I’ve been fortunate. I’ve actually made some "audiophile friends" along the way, too.

Nobody likes being lied to. Especially not when we’re talking about the kind of money in play that we’re probably talking about. Again, hasn’t really been a problem for me. Every issue I’ve ever run into, the seller has handled professionally and promptly (well, pretty promptly, lol. I have a piece of gear back at a dealer’s repair shop currently, and it has sat there since the end of November.....so.....but that’s another conversation all together. I know they were waiting on parts....).

Used gear. Stuff happens. If you suspect something’s fishy, or too good to be true, just hold off or pay a little more and go through a dealer who warrants their products. JM2CW.

Any seller, I always write with questions, just to see the nature of the responses. I prefer buying used from prior owner if possible.

I have bought a few items online and have also sold a few.  Some in the $10,000 range.  I have always spend a fair amount of time of the the phone in all transactions.  I have asked for and sent video clips to see/show every side and surface.  Buying from the original owner is nice, but not always imprortant.  If the gear we're buying should last 20+ years, I not too concerned if a couple people have enjoyed it first, so long as it's still in "like new" condition.  When dealing through AudioMart, I can see the buy/sell history of the person I'm dealing with.  It's always a red flag for me when I see a person has made 65 purchases and 80 sales.  I want the number of transactions to reflect someone who is building thier system, not just flipping equipment for profit.  Wrong?  I don't know. 

If there were a high-end dealer on this island I'd probably pay a visit and check out their used stuff, but all told I'm not into buying used stereo gear. The technology relentlessly moves forward. If an item tempted me enough I'd still insist on both a money back guarantee and an in-home trial...though I will agree to paying for return shipping if it comes to it. Just as it is with a musical instrument, the choice of stereo components is an intensely personal, subjective decision.

I think it's hugely important you never know what's gone on in the past really. Repairs, modifications, etc. Also I am usually at least a bit suspicious when I see a relatively newly released product with 4-5 owners in a year. Tells me likely it doesn't sound very good!