I have been using A-gon for a few years, and built almost my entire system from it. I think it all comes down to what the market will bear....
Case in point, I had a Linn Ikemi, which I sold for $2000 or 55% of retail. I don't feel that was a bad deal for the buyer, which, by the way closed the deal within 48 hours of listing the item, a big plus for me as well. I have seen exactly the problem you have seen though.....case in point, I needed a new DVD player, nothing special, but adequate where my requirements. I bought a Philips DVD 963 SA...also a multichannel SACD player as well as a progressive scan DVD player with DCDi. OK....onto the real issue.
I got this player, NEW with US factory warranty and a 30 day money back guarantee from J&R Music for $370 shipped (unit price $356.50). To top it off, it got here in three days (and I ordered after 4PM EST (I live in Florida)) ! I searched A-gon and found 3 for sale, one for $350...used, the others for $419 and $395. Now nothing against these sellers, they likely paid the $499 retail
but as a good shopper, I wouldnt buy for that.
I have noticed, also as youve said, the really good bargains go quickly, I think however that is just indicative of how popular this site has become. I can tell you that I was considering a Sunfire Theater Grand II with Cinema Grand Sig amp that showed up this morning or last evening. Before Id made up my mind if it would work for the bedroom, it was gone. Ive also found great deals by acting quickly, like the Chang Lightspeed HT 1000 I got for $425
.needless to say, I offered the guy full price from my computer at work when I saw it and closed the deal in less than 3 hours.
My point is it can and still is a bargain, you need to be more vigilant in your pursuits of audio gear to get the best deals. I also must mention, many of the people Ive dealt with have become friends, and we speak regularly. I value that as much as I do the few dollars difference I could have paid for a piece of equipment. I also am far happier with my purchases from A-gon than other sites (especially eBay
.which seems to be a great way to get people to pay you for cleaning out the closet/garage)
BTW Elizabeth
I also had one of your experiences
. I found a guy selling a pair of JSE Design 1.0 (what to this day are still in my bedroom
.after surviving college, seven UPS shippings and god knows how many other minor issues) fro $800. I found it very interesting that I still had my receipt for my pair from 1985 for $832!!! I guess they really held their value! I should have been better to them!
KT
