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Previous Ownership...does it matter to you?

I'm curious as to how others feel about knowing the previous ownership history when purchasing used audio equipment. Not necessarily who specifically owned as that's usually not possible but how many owners.

It might give you a glimpse into whether the item has been shipped back and forth from coast to coast in the US, Canada, or another country and if there's something not as advertised with the item since it continues to change hands too frequently.

I recently exchanged messages with a seller of a previous set of very nice speakers I previously owned. I knew the complete history, the buyer listed himself as the third owner when in fact he was the fifth owner. When I shared the details, his response was "could care less about ownership and how many times it's changed hands....".

I was surprised by the response. The obvious reason to understand ownership it's one of the listing rules from both Audiogon and US Audiomart in regards to the rating scale. Both Audiogon and US Audiomart are specific that anything a 9 or above must be single owner. In the case I reference above, the seller lists as a 9 even knowing he's the fifth owner. 

What is your approach to knowing ownership history? Does it matter or not to you?

128x128jcoehler
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,639 posts
 

I really don’t care how many people played with it, but if I catch you lying, I will not buy. No if ands or buts!

riie
219 posts
 

I don’t really care how many times it has switched hands because I have one easy to follow rule. I only buy brand new sealed box from authorized dealers and never ever used equipment.

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,129 posts
 

Just like a used car, as long as it works well ,and as described  ,why not 

you save over 50% then if buying new .

prndlus
55 posts
 

An item that’s traded numerous times can indicate there’s something wrong with it.

For instance, there’s a Bedini amp that’s been repeatedly bought and sold, same serial number; it’s been bouncing around for a few years now.

Otherwise, the number of owners isn’t as important as whether it has been recapped or repaired.

Any indication of lying, or even of glossing over the truth, I’m gone.

I find with used equipment, in general, if it’s in fine condition and the seller describes it in detail as from one audiophile to another, it has not fallen into the hands of an owner or owners who don’t know what it is, and don’t respect it.

Also, never allow hope, or wishful thinking, or a good deal, or a rare opportunity, cloud your intuition.

The few times I’ve been disappointed in a used purchase have always in the final analysis come down to my going against my intuition.

soaringbear
5 posts
 

Prndlus, you said it. You use your intuition. 
if I get an odd feeling about the equipment or the seller, I stop looking.

I think this is the heart of the question. It’s about integrity and trust. we each have our ways of evaluating a potential seller/buyer. I just prefer intuition. And then I follow up with dialogue and request for more pictures. If someone were to balk, or have an attitude, I would move on.

you can’t make a good deal with someone who isn’t acting in good faith.

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