2. speakers
  3. 1020135455

What is the right thing here................

Thanks for pitching in.

I have been buying, selling, and upgrading for about 2 years now. I have done so with very few issues, although, tough for anyone to say no issues. This deal was not made from AudioGon, but I would like your years of experience as help.

This problem is about ethics, more than anything.

I had a set of B&W 801 Anniversary edition speakers.
Great physical shape, with no problems. Used for about a year, I had been running them with a McIntosh MC-352, a Citation Audio 7.1, and until they sold last week, a Jeff Rowland Model 7. They had performed flawlessly the entire time.

I bought them from the original owner, a person (a local dentist) that replaced them with Wilson Slams.

Anyway, he informed me that he had to have the dealer replace a sub driver when one blew in 1994/5. No problem, I suppose that happens, althought I have not experienced this situation.

Someone locally wanted to buy the speakers, and I told them to come look, and listen. He refused to make the drive (an hour, tops) from San Jose to Orinda, DOT. He didn't have a car, then the car he did have was broken down, then he didn't have time, etc. Since I didn't want to lift them by myself, I would not deliver them, which for something lighter, I would no problem. An hour seemed like nothing to insure your $2,500 investment, right?

He wanted me to have a company ship them, so I did. They picked them up, and drove them to SJ. Like any other transaction, I was prepaid, $2,500. Fair for the speakers, with stands, both in great shape.

He called me the NEXT day and told me the speakers were blown, the subs. He said it was blown and there was no way for me to know, it was so minor and that he pushed it over the edge, or some garbage like this. He has a Krell KAS amp (a large amp he explained). When he removed the drivers, he said one was not even the matching driver. I had the grills on the entire time, and have NEVER had a problem with the drivers at all.

The speakers worked fine for a year here, and they worked when he got them. Granted, the different driver thing seems wrong, but, the question is this:

He has asked me to either cover the cost of new drivers or return the speakers for a full refund.

I know what my thoughts are, what are yours?

Trying to be the honest individual I am,
Dan
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bbtuna
96 posts
 
The likelihood of both drivers blowing at the same time-frame as a result of driver failure is probably incalculable. You sent them working…end of discussion! This is clearly a user error or one of the truly unique happenings in our lifetime...in the universe.

On the changed driver…did you hide that it was changed? If not you owe him nothing unless you tried to say that everything was “original”. I mean you probably should proactively reveal something like that but technically it doesn’t make you liable for anything unless you mislead him. Was it an authorized change by B&W? If so, I wouldn’t feel guilty about it. Did it ever sound sonically off to you? Probably not so again, don’t feel guilty.

If on the other hand, you feel guilty because you think you should have proactively revealed the change, then offer to pay for 1 driver…$300 (half the pair price) and make sure you get something in writing (email) from the buyer that this settles your account. Be clear that you are offering to pay because you feel responsible for the driver difference NOT because they went bad. Even if you talk on the phone, say it again in email and save your email coorespondence.

If you don’t feel guilty but just want to be a good guy then offer ½ or ½.

If you decide to visit (which I don't think is needed) call and show up as soon after telling him as possible. In other words, call, ask, drive and see him in an hour. I might even take a change and not call until i was in town.

Just some thoughts...good luck.

cd
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porschecab OP
336 posts
 
Bbtuna -

Thanks for the comments. I never did actually know of any different drivers. The change, I was told, was by a B&W dealer that used to be in Walnut Creek, CA. It would appear, based on what I am told, the repacement driver was from a different series. You are correct, I do feel guilty, but only because a good deal only happens when BOTH parties are satisfied. I want to do the right thing, as I think life works out better for you if you live your life on the straight and narrow, or is it arrow?

For what it is worth, I, and everyone else that has listened to my stereo, includes a writer/review from Home Theater magazine (not that this means anything) have never noticed a difference. Heck, would the drivers even look any different?

Anyway, I like the 1/2 split if this is what makes everyone happy. I do NOT think I am liable for such, but if this is what it takes, then MAYBE I will give.

I will ponder and keep reading suggestions/thoughts.

Thanks again.
Dan
bishopwill
369 posts
 
Personally, I think you're getting screwed by a jerk but I admire your commitment to taking the high road.

I only sell (and, after two horrendous ebay experiences, only buy) within driving distance. My sales are always "as is, where is" and the buyer is welcome to ask as many questions and do as much evaluation as he desires before writing me a check. Once the check is in my hands, the deal is done and I don't care if he finds an osprey nest in the crossover box, it's his. I print this plainly on the bill of sale and I don't accept the check until the bill of sale is signed.

I've never had a disagreement resulting from this way of doing things.

will
nikonf
8 posts
 
i think if you want the full benefit of a new product,you should pay full retail, at a store,in the used market it is the buyer and seller that both need to be aware,did he ask if the speakers had been repaired etc ,speakers do not come with a service history,i have bought off audiogon twice,the first time I was not that happy,but I never asked the right ? that is not the sellars problem,I left the guy + feedback,i do not to like to pay retail,if the buyer did not ask if the speakers had been repaired correctly,it is not your problem,and for you to offer to help with the payment of the drivers,he should be happy,good luck,
pops
2,275 posts
 
Hi Dan, I would go for trying to get him to split the cost of the new driver, if that is fruitless then I would go get the speakers, refund the money and end this business relationship. It sounds like you're reasonable and it sounds like he maybe isn't - you can't do anything about that so don't waste your time trying. 600 bucks to me is not worth dealing with what could be a major P.I.T.A. - good luck.
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