''Manuf. warranty '' with non-authorized vendor ?

Simply answer is "NO". If the seller is an unauthorized vendor, you can pretty much gurantee that the manufacturer is going to be very hesitant about doing warrenty work. The reason why is that manufactuer is going to wonder, just where did the seller get "their products" and were these products "factory seconds", "gray markets", ect? One of the biggest problems happening nowadays, especially in products that come from China, is that a lot of products that are not good enough to go out the front door, are often "snuck out the back door" and are illegaly sold to the "unwitting buyer", from "unauthorized vendors". Of course, these vendor have no problems telling you that their products are "new" and come with a "warrenty". Of course, when something goes wrong, the buyer often gets a "rude awakening". Basically if the seller is not an authorized dealer, then I'm going to assume his products are not "first rate, authorized" products and as such probably have no warrenty attached.

"hmm wonder just how much audigon inventory is circulationg around that originated from unauthorized resellers?
I hope someone with more expertise in this area would say something, as most of this is speculation on my part."

I think most audiogoners know what they buy is used and doesn't include a warrenty. Also, most buy from individuals who are not resellers (authorized or otherwise) or dealers, but are just hobbiest like themselves.

Indeed, I believe if you are a dealer or re-seller you're suppose to mention that fact. Of course, if somebody has an ad on audiogon, and inply in their ad, that warrenties apply, and they are not an authorized dealer, then I WOULD check with the manufacturer, because in most cases the warrenty only apply to the orginal purchaser.