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Buying used when you should have bought new...

Some time ago I bought an item off Audiogon. I personally picked up the item. The price was right and the item was as described. Deal done. No problems with the seller.

The item lasted a few months before it started to act up. It needed repair. It had no warranty so I searched for a retail dealer to get the item fixed. I found a dealer, but they refused to service the item because it was not purchased through them. Ok, I searched for a repair shop which was tough, but I found one of high reputation that knew what they were doing.

I picked up the item today and it sounds great.

However, after what I paid the seller and then what I paid for repair, I could have almost purchased the item new for a couple more bucks.

What items, if any, should be bought new, if possible, and what items can be bought used to be safe? Is there a guideline of some kind?
matchstikman
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Definitely buy a phono cartridge new.
Cables and power cords are usually the safest used buy.
I guess I've been lucky so far, as I've only one bad experience in 5 years here (knock wood).

John
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I always buy new phono cartridges. The stylus is usually a large amount of the price. The condition of a used stylus is a wild guess. Even a super honest seller may not be able to tell either.

If I buy used tube gear, I usually assume I'll have to replace the tubes immediately, unless there is a clear indication how old the tubes are and the seller has good feekback.
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
I agree with the two previous comments, and would add CD/SACD players to the list, since lasers have a finite life.

I think the decision to buy used vs. new also hinges on whether you can get a good discount price on the new item. For example, I was able to buy a Denon DVD-3910 player earlier this year (through an authorized dealer) for about 1/3 off full retail price, which was only a bit more than buying the same unit used.
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
I generally like to buy new. Get the best you can afford and just keep it and don't trade to much. When I have issues, my dealer always loans me something. I never go with out sound. I have a few friends that have gone with out tunes for 60 days while things are getting fixed.

My equipment has been very reliable, like one issue in the last ten years due to defect. But, I've sent it back a few times for upgrades, thought a issue...but was bad tube etc.
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