2. misc-audio
  3. 182636-20292

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 1 response by prndlus

prndlus
55 posts
 

An item that’s traded numerous times can indicate there’s something wrong with it.

For instance, there’s a Bedini amp that’s been repeatedly bought and sold, same serial number; it’s been bouncing around for a few years now.

Otherwise, the number of owners isn’t as important as whether it has been recapped or repaired.

Any indication of lying, or even of glossing over the truth, I’m gone.

I find with used equipment, in general, if it’s in fine condition and the seller describes it in detail as from one audiophile to another, it has not fallen into the hands of an owner or owners who don’t know what it is, and don’t respect it.

Also, never allow hope, or wishful thinking, or a good deal, or a rare opportunity, cloud your intuition.

The few times I’ve been disappointed in a used purchase have always in the final analysis come down to my going against my intuition.

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