Previous Ownership...does it matter to you?


I'm curious as to how others feel about knowing the previous ownership history when purchasing used audio equipment. Not necessarily who specifically owned as that's usually not possible but how many owners.

It might give you a glimpse into whether the item has been shipped back and forth from coast to coast in the US, Canada, or another country and if there's something not as advertised with the item since it continues to change hands too frequently.

I recently exchanged messages with a seller of a previous set of very nice speakers I previously owned. I knew the complete history, the buyer listed himself as the third owner when in fact he was the fifth owner. When I shared the details, his response was "could care less about ownership and how many times it's changed hands....".

I was surprised by the response. The obvious reason to understand ownership it's one of the listing rules from both Audiogon and US Audiomart in regards to the rating scale. Both Audiogon and US Audiomart are specific that anything a 9 or above must be single owner. In the case I reference above, the seller lists as a 9 even knowing he's the fifth owner. 

What is your approach to knowing ownership history? Does it matter or not to you?

128x128jcoehler

Showing 2 responses by oddiofyl

As far as Carfax goes, it's not always accurate.  My father in law backed into someone in his corvette.    He didn't want a repair / accident record so he paid for both repairs and neither car had adverse Carfax Data. 

I have a friend who is a bodyman and it happens occasionally with collector cars.   Its not 100% accurate 

 

 

I have purchased a number of used pieces and the only thing I care about is condition and age. I will only buy something that looks new, yes I am thinking about resale should I choose to sell someday . I baby my gear, I am the guy you want to buy used from. But I rarely sell , I am more apt to trade toward new .

I have had a a major upgrade of most components in the past year. All new , speakers have a ten year warranty , DAC has a five year warranty , amp and preamp have a lifetime warranty. I’m 55 , this is probably my last major upgrade so warranty is an important factor .