To buy or not to buy a used cartridge?

Having purchased 9 used cartridges here on Agon (and 1 on ebay), I can attest that it is no more risky than other used component purchases. Feedback check is essential here. I have received one cartridge that was not as described (and no, it wasn't the one from ebay believe it or not). On the other hand I have received a few components (mainly power amps) delivered with shipping damage. I am more leery of having heavy items shipped than buying used cartridges. Buying anything used is always more risky but overall I think well worth it. As far as how many hours the seller claims his cart to have, I only use this as a guide, not realistic unless he claims to have logged hours. I think most sellers here on Agon are pretty staight forward.

Buy new and know what you're getting

Based on my own experience I don't think there's any more risk buying a used cartridge than with any other type of equipment here on the Gon. I've bought stuff over the years that was often misrepresented as to condition, suffered because it was packed poorly, or damaged by the carrier. It's not unusual to have to resell a $3000 component for $500 less than the price paid because it was scratched and somewhat beat up and the box looked like hell. The risks are not greater, probably less, when buying a used cart from a trusted member. If you trust the seller, and he tells you the cart is fine, and knows approximately the hours on it (there's a lot of latitude here anyway since it takes years of normal usage to put on 1000 hours) then why not save hundreds, or even thousands? Cart shipping is safe and easy--no risk there compared to speakers or amps or fragile digital players. Over the years I've bought used carts on the Gon many times: a VDH Grasshopper 3, VDH Frog, Allaerts Mc1b, Benz Ruby2, Koetsu Rosewood Sig, Grado Reference and a few less-significant others. Every one has performed up to expectations (other than the Koetsu which had been VDH retipped--but the seller disclosed this) and I still use them all today.

Sorry for taking so long to state the obvious. But I believe it comes down to trusting the seller, just like with all other types of gear.

BTW, I plan to sell some of the above-named carts over the next few months. I mention this now because I don't want to appear disengenuous later. Everything I said is true irregardless.

I think buying used cartridges is the riskiest venture in the audio hobby. It's not just the relying on an accurate hour used count, but age also takes it's toll on a cartridge. A suspension can wear out just sitting on a shelf. One also never knows if the previous user knows how to properly set up and care for a cartridge.

I'm not saying that I would never buy a used cartridge, but IMHO the price needs to be a LOT more attractive than the standard 50% off list price for used gear for me to consider it.

Cheers,
John

If you buy a new cart from the dealer you don't know if it was really a demo unit (the last 'new' one I received came with mounting screws missing from the box). My experience buying and selling used carts has been 100% positive to date. As a general rule, analog types seem to be persnickety about taking care of things.