New pre-amplifier?

@emergingsoul 

I'm not sure why you would even think of this, but at a certain point, you have to trust someone. Going through life looking over your shoulder ruins the fun. Don't assume the worst. If something goes wrong, it will be sorted out in the end.

I tend to like refurbished products from the manufacturer over brand new. For example, computers are something I buy refurbished over new if given the option. I learned this from my IT buddies.

I have purchased some audio gear that was listed as used and sold by the manufacturer. I consider then as good as new or sometimes better. I tend not to have issues with this type of gear compared to brand new.

You can never know for certain about what the manufacturer has done.  If it is sold as new, it means it is backed by their warranty.  I don’t see why it would matter much if it is a returned item being resold.  Not much life could be taken out of something that should last many decades.  If anything, parts subject to very early failure due to manufacturing defect might have been detected and corrected, and other parts that improve with burn in will have been burned in making the unit sound better from the start.  

I have bought many items from dealers that have been shipped direct from the manufacturer. It’s called drop shipping. I prefer that method, it saves time and the shipping cost!!

Drop shipping is a form of retail business in which the seller accepts customer orders without keeping stock on hand. Instead, in a form of supply chain management, the seller transfers the orders and their shipment details either to the manufacturer, a wholesaler, another retailer, or a fulfillment house, which then ships the goods directly to the customer.

@yyzsantabarbara 

I buy refurbished over new if given the option. I learned this from my IT buddies

Interesting. What is the rationale given by the IT advisors? Heighten scrutiny?

Charles