Buying demo or brand new power conditioner/amp

Update. Well my decision is firm as can be at this moment. Spoke with my dealer today and he offered me a 100 bucks more on my trade in for a brand new RMB 1565 and a Furman Reference 15i power conditioner. I am out of pocket $1338.75 including taxes. I think he is being as fair as he can be and I'm getting 2 brand new pieces of equipment. A power conditioner that will more than provide all the beautiful clean power I can ask for and a 5 channel 100w per channel class D amp that will integrate nicely in my bedroom. They should be able to push my Def Tech CLR 2500 Front and Right speakers with no problem and my small Paradigm Atoms v.1 with no issues.

So I just wanted to thank everybody who responded and providing your thoughts to my situation. It is much appreciated in every way. So there you have it. My final decision. :)

2007audioman

Wow, thanks for the responses. Seems like the majority is for buying the demo package. I did give it some thought. I am trading in a Rotel RMB 1095 amp, RB 1090 amp and my Furman 15 PFi power conditioner. I need the space in my bedroom that is why I have chosen for the smaller Rotel RMB 1565 amp. I am still thinking about it right now but am leaning a bit toward buying them both brand new at this point. Partly because the scratches on the front and the top is not very pleasing to the eye. I like showing my gear to my friends and the position of the scratches are right there and are noticeable to the naked eye. As for the power amp, well I think I can eat the 125.00 dollars for a brand new factory fresh amp.

Opinions are still welcome though. I will be getting back to him this week. Thanks in advance all.

2007audioman

Demo usually implies one year old and not used too extensively. Solid state components like a power conditioner shouldn't be a problem and should be fine even if two years old. However, I'm more cautious for anything over two years and anything more than a year old with moving parts more like a turntable, CD, speakers, or TV. It's like buying a used car so amount of use is an important consideration. Finally, be cautious about 10+ year stuff. Classic amps, reel to reel, etc, are going to need refurbishing (belts, lubrications, capaciters, whatever). Most of my gear is used and demo carefully chosen for age/price. However, anything with a motor I buy new or no more than one year old. Equipment older than two years runs risking extra money to update/repair which might eat up your original "savings". Finally, used cables (IC, power, speaker) are often the best buys and get borken in for you too. Good luck.

Why buy new and take a loss when you sell it,unless you get a super deal.

I have no problem buying demo equipment. A lot of mine is formerly demo equipment. That being said, they seem to last as long and do as well. Why spend more for the same thing? If you really like the prettier look buy new. If you really like the sound buy the demo.

Don't lowball brick & motar stores.

See the "what is lowball" thread.

You can take the advise of a lowballer and offer somewhere around $350.00 for everything.

Looks like a good deal but hard to tell since the gear being traded in is not described. Since the 'demo's' will carry the original warranties, you get some peace of mind. Lastly, the dealer is doing what they need to stay in business, and that is working with a customer to satisfy their needs. So, let everybody know the dealer's name.

i would buy the demo and use the money saved for some nice power cords. i have the same furman and my system is dead quiet. good luck.