cartridge Benz, Koestu, Lyra

John,
I realize that buying used is somewhat of a gamble. I do my best on making sure that the seller is trustworthy, either by feedback or some of the thread responses. I have yet to run into a dishonest Audiogoner. I also realize that shipping is also a gamble, especially with tubes and carts. I also do a lot of selling on this site, which helps with my own upgrading, there is definitely more bang for the buck and until I hit the lotto, I will keep buying more used equipment. At least until I get burned.
I do appreciate your warning and hope that you do not get the opportunity to say" I told you so" and I'm sure that you are not hoping for that to happen.
Jeff

>>The Black is used, but I'm told not even yet broken in.<<

It's a rule that every used cartridge for sale on Audiogon has less than 100 hours of careful use.

:-)

I bought my Koetsu Black from a reputable party on audiogon. He said it only had 10 hours of use since it was on a demo table in his audio store. I have no doubt that this was true. I needed to play the cartridge for about 50 hours before it sounded right. The highs opened up and it became more transparent in the mids, while still having all of the glory of the Koetsu sound. Also VTA plays an important role with the Koetsu. I found that the arm just slightly lower in the back (bearing side) is ideal and tightened up the bass tremendously.

100 does seem to be the magic number on a lot of the listings. But I got lucky and it was only 10.
Time will tell. The seller has also agreed to taking it back, if I am not happy with it. I doubt that will happen, but it's an offer, that I personally have not made to anyone.
Life is short, that's a lesson that i am constantly reminded of. We can't worry about the little things.
Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Believe me, I have no problems buying used equipment, almost everything I own is used. I also trust most AudiogoNer's, generally this is a very good group. My biggest dissapointments have been when buying used cartridges, NOS tubes, and used vinyl. I find that the AudiogoN rating scale is of no use in these areas, and some individuals ideas of usage and quality sound are very different from my own. I tend to buy these items new now, except for NOS tubes, which I only use reputable dealers who accept returns.

As for cd players, amps, preamps, speakers, turntables, etc...I have had no issues whatsoever, aside of shipping damage (knock wood).

I have purchased used cartridges before and been happy, and hopefully you will be too. All I'm saying is that this is one of the riskier gray areas here on AudiogoN, as condition is not as easy to quantify. The offer to return if not happy sounds promising, though a bit brave on the seller's part. So you both are taking a leap of faith. You in that his description is accurate, and him in that you can properly setup and align the cartridge w/o any damage.
Hopefully you are both rewarded.

For the record Jeff, I believe Bill's (Audiofeil) comment was made with tongue firmly implanted in cheek. :)

And yes, life is short, and we can't worry about the little things, and cartridges certainly are little things, so there you have it.

John