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.
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...
- ...
- 35 posts total
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… |
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. |
Everything except my turntable and cartridge has been dealer demo or closeout. I like the peace of mind. My power line conditioner was also new (with a nice discount) since it wan't available with any savings used. I did buy a used phono stage from someone on USAM, but spoke with him at length and since it has no moving parts or even external switches, I took the chance and it was in perfect condition as he said. Save about 25% over new. |
- 35 posts total