To answer your question about "B stock", that usually refers to equipment that has been refurbished by the manufacturer. I don't believe serial numbers would be recorded during this process. Since most things sold on ebay are already used, that makes it even harder. To add to the previous post, generally the equipment's shipping box will be marked "refurbished", "RTV" (return to vendor), or something similar. If it was not in the original box, it's pretty hard to tell. You might check date codes of parts to see if one doesn't match the rest, or look for solder flux to indicate a repair. My experience with refurbished equipment has been pretty positive; if it failed, at least the infant mortality parts have been replaced!
B Stock Or Grey Goods, How to Tell?
I'm curious, I bought an item off ebay and had problems with the seller making delivery etc. Well, I finally got item but I don't trust the seller and wanted to know if there is anyway I can tell by serial # or physically if the item is B stock or grey goods. I really don't know what the official definition of those terms mean even.Thanks!