2. misc-audio
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At what point do you...

buy new vs used/open box/refurbished/demo, etc? I know this is all cost based relative but just curious where you draw the line and go brand new. For example, online retailer x has a brand new power cable for $499. They also have the exact same power cable (same length) on an open box for $449. Worth it to save the $50 or do you just go brand new? Or would you just always go for the less costly alternative because saving $ is saving $?

 

I have been wanting to get some consistency with my subs, currently I have a LaSpada 10AWG power cable on sub 1 and a Signal Cable Magic Power cable on sub 2. I also see there is a couple of open box Audioquest NRG4 power cables available for $30ea off already discounted brand new ones. I’m thinking of pulling the trigger on the NRG4’s and saving an additional $60 on the pair and using these on my SVS SB4000’s...

 

In some cases you can save significantly by going other than new but then not so much in other cases. I know this is extremely subjective and relative but just wondering how all of you decide when to just go brand new...again just curious how you all decide which direction to go...

kingbr
kingbr OP
269 posts
 

Well, I did it. Just purchased the 2 open box NRG-4’s. Got an extra 10% as well. By the way the $499/$449 was just for hypothetical purposes. I got 2 6ft NRG-4’s for a final cost of $304. The extra 10% expires end of day. I already had aftermarket PC’s but again wanted consistency. Now I have my LaSpada and Magic Power cables without a home…

@hsounds thank you for the advice. I already have corner bass traps and aftermarket cables on my processor, amp, DAC, and streamer. I don’t have a single stock cable on any of my components. Upgraded all of those first and throughout various upgrades over time, the subs got the leftovers. That’s why they had different PC’s. Figured the AQ’s were a better cable to begin with and now I’d have synergy as well😁…

Great stuff All and thank you again for taking the time to share…

 

 

hsounds
130 posts
 

I am one of the people who believes AQ can be a great value for money. Great job on getting all of the important stuff done right. I actually use the NRG power cable to power my turntable and phono stage. Because I needed a pretty long power cord it is a great value. 

kingbr OP
269 posts
 

Thanks @hsounds always love to hear endorsements from those with the experience. Especially after I’ve already pulled the trigger😊! What’s weird about the NRG’s is that I couldn’t find anything anywhere about their specific recommended usage. Most cable manufacturers specify what components their cables are meant for. Couldn’t find anything on NRG series. But figured they’d be great for subwoofer duty…

limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,190 posts
 

You have to be careful buying used audio equipment. I have bought stuff and 2 ,3,6 months later it dies.probability from the same reasons the guy sold it....Buyer Beware.....

mksun
418 posts
 

For me it depends on the component, the price, availability, and the dealer or person I’m buying from. I would never buy a CD transport used but will always buy cables used when available.  I bought my McIntosh Integrated used from a reputable dealer (Audio Classics) and many open box items with a full warranty.  For new, I look for huge discounts and close outs.  I purchased my Elac towers on close out for 50% off from Music Direct and recently bought a pair of Dynaudio bookshelf speakers for my office system at 25% off list. I never buy on impulse and always thoroughly research a product before pulling the trigger. 

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