I see that you are new here, welcome to Audiogon.
You are right to be skeptical, there are some strange goings on here, not everything is at it appears.
You are best to proceed with caution, as there are many sharks in the waters. While there are many decent, honest sellers and buyers here, there are those with hidden agendas too.
Do not believe every story you read. Yes, some folks out there are stupid rich and change gear out without hearing it, but a lot of those ads are dealers too, trying to move stock.
Cheers,
John |
What he said makes a lot of sense. They can't sell it at their store for a large discount because of contracts they have with the manufacturers. So if they want to get rid of Inventory they post on here or have a friend do it. |
Jmcgrogan2 is right. Things are not always what they seem. In most cases, the talk about unrealized systems is used to get the most money for whatever component is for sale. The seller probably listened to the component and didn't like it. If he's honest, and put that reason in the ad, the buyer may be turned off. Who wants to buy a component from someone who didn't like it? If they say its part of a unrealized system, they avoid putting negative comments in the add. Also, if the component is in like new condition, they may be able to sell it as new, or close to it. Who wants to buy something with a lot of hours on it? |
I would say that that most are probably legit here. Feedback is your best friend. |
Just because someone has good feedback doesn't mean they're reasons for selling a piece of audio equipment are legit. If you don't list a reason why you are selling, that's the first thing someone will ask.
"I'm selling this preamp because it sounds like crap. I'm sure it will sound OK for you, though. The magazine gave it a good review." |
"Just because someone has good feedback doesn't mean they're reasons for selling a piece of audio equipment are legit"
Not always, but it's a good indication. And for me, works more times than not.
I see you have no feedback here. I can tell you with certainty that keeping good feedback is not easy.
I've bought many phono cartridges advertised with less than 50 hours and a couple with around 10 hours. I couldn't tell the difference from new. Bought a Condrad Johnson PV4 advertised as NOS, and it looked it.
As for listing why someone is selling an item, I couldn't care less. If you told me you didn't like the way it sounded, so what. How do I know you are an experienced listener or that you room is set up right. Maybe you have the wrong associated equipment with it. |
What difference does it make why someone is selling an item? There's a small range of answers and an unscrupulous person will lie about it anyway. |
I for one am very much interested in why the device is being sold. I feel that the more information as possible up front the better. If the device failed and was repaired or demonstrated problems that the seller couldn't figure out helps me make a more informed decision. Yes some will lie, but that's on them. My obligation is to gather as much info as possible and do my due deligence. Most equipment has been demo'd despite what the seller is saying. Also make sure the seller has a receipt to ensure the device isn't stolen, which could explain the claim that the item is unopened. Be careful, ask plenty of questions and enjoy |
You guys are taking my comments too seriously. Quite often people sell components because they don't like them for some reason. I just think that some would rather avoid telling buyers that because they may get less money. Of course, there will be a range as to how big the lie is. No doubt some will lie about condition and age, as well. That's a risk that comes with buying used gear.
"I see you have no feedback here. I can tell you with certainty that keeping good feedback is not easy."
Don't remind me. lol. I lost my whole account, feedback and all, when Audiogon made that big change in their format a while back. Luckily, I've been happy with my gear, so I haven't needed to sell or buy anything. |
Life circumstances can come into play as well. Divorce, health issues, job loss..... It seems for me that past few years - loss of dad, daughter starting college, mom on the decline..... some of my own health issues... have all whittled down my time and or interest in audio the past few years. So, it makes sense that any of the above scenarios can lead to unused gear being sold. I'd like to think most agoners are honest but I too worry about the sharks, and schmucks. |
I feel like I have a pretty good BS-O-Meter.. Which is why a "still in the box after 5 years" post raises a red flag for me... Sure, some are probably legitimate, but it would certainly lead to more questions for me...
I think most of us are chasing a dragon which does not exist, so I understand why most people are selling their gear...Time for a change or upgrade is perfectly logical to me.. It seams this audiophiliac disease I have is a journey with no final destination, and I am fine with that... In fact, I don't think I would be happy if I thought that my current system is the last system I will ever have... |
"I think most of us are chasing a dragon which does not exist, so I understand why most people are selling their gear...Time for a change or upgrade is perfectly logical to me.. It seams this audiophiliac disease I have is a journey with no final destination, and I am fine with that... In fact, I don't think I would be happy if I thought that my current system is the last system I will ever have... "
The last few years, I've come to realize that your quote is the biggest obstacle most audiophiles need to overcome. It just kind of hit me one day. Everyone reads reviews, gets the opinions of others, buys and sells, etc..., but no one ever seeks out a system that has a sound that they can live with, and afford. Its a type of denial. Having a real, achievable goal puts an end to it all. I think that most people would rather be building a system they never finish, as opposed to completing a system and just listening to it. I was just as guilty of this as anyone else. |
"but no one ever seeks out a system that has a sound that they can live with, and afford."
I made the mistake of listening to a Burmeister system a couple of years ago in a high end showroom.. So now I know what can be achieved, if money is no object... That system has given me a reference in which to compare, but trying to do so at a fraction of the cost is asking a lot, I know... Perhaps it is achievable with the right combination of gear, or maybe not... it sure is fun trying though...
I will always listen to my systems and be completely satisfied at the time... But when I get a little down time and start reading and researching, that's when the what-if-bug rears it's ugly head... |
