Everyone is different, and has a different investment into the audio hobby. I have a McIntosh 275 50th anniversary amp un opened in box that I took in lue of cash that a audio dealer owed me. Never used. Never looked at. Another hardly used Air Tight ATC 5 and SUP, also sitting on a shelf. Along with 3 different Air Tight amps, 3 sets of speakers, and various tubes in one room. Then there is also massive McIntosh B &W system in my main living room, then a McIntosh/KEF home theater in the basement. Tons of stuff, unused, and many tubes which I have collected over time. It's both a hobby and collection, and many people keep low hour equipment in their house. So, yeah, that is why there can be legit rare, unused low hour tubes, phono cartridges, etc on the used market
"Hardly Used / Less than 100 Hours / Took out for pics only"????
I'm constantly baffled and confused by the number of ads I read that say the item for sale has barely been used.
I try not to be distrustful, but I feel like you're either in this hobby or you're not. There's nothing more fun than the anticipation of a new piece of gear and what it might do to your system!
If you have a piece of equipment, why wouldn't you set it up and give it a couple of months. We all know that it takes awhile for the item to break in, or for your ears to adjust.
Dealers aside, why would anyone in this hobby own something that has less than 100 hours on it?