I always lean to buy new for the fair price.
Phono carts I only buy new.
Tube gear is simple to troubleshoot so I can buy it used.
Phono carts I only buy new.
Tube gear is simple to troubleshoot so I can buy it used.
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?
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?