I purchased a CJ S/S amp from them, it turned out that it wasn't a good fit for my system at that time. I inquired about trade in value, they emailed back, "why would we buy it back? If you don't like it, and aren't going to use it, send it back and we'll refund your money". 30 days after purchase. Their return policy is good as gold. You might pay a little more, but pretty much, satisfaction guaranteed. Have made several purchases from them, haven't had a single issue.
These people are fantastic. Great communication, lots of assistance, excellent packaging, lightning delivery. Have never experienced anyone better on Audiogon. They are the best!
It is thrilling to see all of the discussion taking place here. I don't usually jump into these conversations, but I just can't help myself in this case. Any business that sells over 6000 pieces of USED consumer electronics every year will undoubtedly have some significant issues along the way. I like to think that it's how we deal with these issues that counts. Our 100% feedback ratings here and on eBay should surely speak volumes about our commitment to doing the right thing by our customers 100% of the time. As far as the notion of "low-ball" offers, we don't make ANY money if someone refuses our offers. So obviously, low-balling people is no way to build a business. The fact is that our buyers appraise over 20,000 pieces of used gear every year representing over 600 unique brands and 5+ decades. Your local car dealer only has to know how to navigate an annually published NADA bluebook covering a handful of brands to give you a fair trade offer. There's simply no comparison, and like it or not, we're just going to be wrong sometimes. When that happens, we're just like anyone else - we want to hear back from you and have a conversation to learn where we might have gone wrong. And if we don't see things, the same way? Well, there's no hard feelings. We're just a bunch of music-loving, audio-geeks trying to have fun while making a living in our little warehouse just outside of Boulder, Colorado. Drop me a line sometime at feedback@tmraudio.com with any comments or questions- good or bad. I'll be happy to listen and learn how we can keep improving our service here. Thanks again to all of our loyal customers!
I ordered a pair of speakers on Mar 1 from the Music Room and as of Mar 15, no speakers. Probably FedEx is to blame but perhaps TMR should be more careful with their choice of shipping partner.
I have had multiple, excellent experiences with TMR. I sold/traded some big speakers toward some other speakers they had. I also bought McIntosh from them. I technically took a hit on the speakers-- but they made my life easy and that is worth a lot to me. I am local to them so I was able to do an in person swap.
The reason I mention this is if I had tried to sell the speakers here, the time, shipping, hassle, fees would have caused me stress...
If you understand how consignment of higher end goods work (Watches, Guitars, or Audiophile gear), here is what I have come to see as "fair" and "industry norm" over the years.
Forget "List/Retail" pricing, or what you paid "New"
Find the average used sale price (eBay, Forums, etc.) [factor condition]
Now subtract 30% from that #2 [Average Used Sale Price, which could be HIGHER than what you paid in rare/collectable circumstances]
Example: If speakers cost you/listed for $5000, but they are selling for ~$3000 used, take 30% off. $3000 - $900 = $2100 would be the "fair/nominal" amount you should expect. If you can do better reselling yourself, then by all means, you should. (In my scenario, a $900 hit, was insurance against shipping/packaging issues, time spent photographing/posting, PayPal/Audiogon fees, and not having to deal with the general public). Personally, I will take 'time' over 'money'. YMMV.
I just completed my third transaction with TMR. I had a McIntosh MC 152 amp I was going to list here for $2500.00. On a whim, I contacted TMR about trading in my amp towards a McIntosh MC 302 amp. I was offered $2500.00 for my amp towards the MC 302 amp. They paid for the shipping of my amp to them and 9 days later I received the MC 302 amp. My total cost out of pocket was $2000.00 plus 150.00 for shipping (amp weighed 150 pounds) for the new amp.
The amp arrived in all the factory packaging and looked perfect. I honestly couldn’t find fault with the looks or sound. I am one very happy camper.
It's true. IMHO another way to spin this is that, TMR charges more on eBay since it is easier to make a case to return there. It's like hotel room booking or airline tickets nowadays. The non-refundable rate isn't cheaper --- the business simply charges more for flexibility. The profit is just as fine if everything's sold at the lowest price.
Like, there are many sellers in Audiogon who also list in USAudioMart or AudioAsylum. But the asking price is typically the same across, even when Audiogon isn't free. May be TMR's listing is merely an advertisement thing ... make the prospective buyers feel they are getting a better deal if buying direct from them, while getting more visibility for their items.
Nevertheless, my reason to stop dealing with them is the same. It's not with the pricing, but the quality of their offerings. They tend to come with considerable, disclosed defects.
I have never try their consignment process. Way too much risk shipping stuff around and then your hands are forced. An analogy is Enterprise Rent a Car. Yes they'd pick you up. But I experienced multiple times that they drove me there, then told me the car I booked wasn't available. Yea they overbooked, but blame multiple customers not returning the cars or the cars need "service" --- why not tell me before picking me up? They'd force me to pay a whole lot more to upgrade --- no free upgrade since the car would be available if I keep waiting. When requested to take me back home, they'd tell me they did not have anybody to drive me home (eventually they would, after waiting an hour or two). LOL, may be it's just an local New Jersey thing.
I'd rather support local business if I ever need to sell my stuff thru consignment.
I just bought a used ARC LS26 preamp from them. When I opened it up to put in the tubes, two of the capacitors were disconnected from shipping. I contacted them and they sent me a return authorization and shipping label right away. The return was painless and they had it fixed and back to me in a relatively short period of time. They couldn't find the exact capacitors so they put in ones that they said were better. Communication was great throughout the process and there were no questions asked, no hassle.
In regards to their prices, you get the best prices on their web site and I've seen things drop in price after they have them on their website for a while. I don't know if they do that with everything.
They are honest but don't expect good deals. If you don't mind paying 10-25% more for typical used gears, they absolutely give you peace of mind --- as long as you don't need to return them.
Been a customer a few times. Stop dealing with them. Too many asterisks in their "good deals". That is ... their "good deals" tend to come with disclosed defects. Needs to compromise.
I deal with KahlAudio in New Jersey nowadays. Asking price is also higher too, but their items tend to be in way better shape --- rarely seen them with defect. Look for their auctions in eBay ... higher chance of good deals.
I am not associated with KahlAudio ... just another repeat customer.
I noticed their offer for your equipment is always very low and their selling price always on high side. It is a business and it's understandable. My experiences have been mostly positive other than their low balling offers.
The item they described as in perfect working order had issues.As we were in the middle of a cross country move I disposed of the tuner because of my frustration and hassles returing it etc.I contacted TMR.Although I realized I was ineligible for any refund I think they should have at least offered some sort of discount or minimal credit towards a future purchase.
I hope I remember to never sell anything to you. That problem lies with you, and you alone. Had the tuner been available, I am confident they would have made it right by you. As it was, all they had was your word, no proof of a problem. They are just supposed to assume that you are not a scammer? Electronics are not meant to withstand the abuse that can occur in shipment. I have had items I have sold leave my possession in perfect working order show up at someone else's home not working correctly. It happens. You never even provided an opportunity to make it right and then you want to hold them responsible? Sorry, but that is your fault.
I've bought a number of items from them with no issue. I just purchased a preamp and it arrived with one of the capacitors detached. I contacted them, sent them a photo, and they had a prepaid shipping label to me the same day, no questions asked, no hassle. It remains to be seen how long the repair and return takes, but they certainly responded quickly and appropriately to the issue.
I have had a negative experience with TMR.I attempted to review them on their feedback column but was blocked from doing so...no wonder they have a 100 per cent positive feedback.
The item they described as in perfect working order had issues.As we were in the middle of a cross country move I disposed of the tuner because of my frustration and hassles returing it etc.I contacted TMR.Although I realized I was ineligible for any refund I think they should have at least offered some sort of discount or minimal credit towards a future purchase.
I've never bought from them, but have seen plenty of their ads. From this thread, they seem to be trustworthy, but they currently have an ad for a B&O 8002 turntable with a clearly damaged dustcover hinge and no mention of it in the description. Plus, the TT has an 8/10 rating, even with the dustcover hinge damage and no headshell for the cartridge whose model is unverifiable. Thoughts?
My thoughts are that if I was interested in the item I would call them and ask about it.
I've never bought from them, but have seen plenty of their ads. From this thread, they seem to be trustworthy, but they currently have an ad for a B&O 8002 turntable with a clearly damaged dustcover hinge and no mention of it in the description. Plus, the TT has an 8/10 rating, even with the dustcover hinge damage and no headshell for the cartridge whose model is unverifiable. Thoughts?
TMR are making a living in the very tough used audio gear market. If it was easy, everyone would do it. Their prices are not too far above the general used marketplace and they, unlike sellers here and on USAM, offer a no questions asked return policy. I purchased a pair of very heavy and somewhat expensive mono amps from them, that I may not have purchased elsewhere without the option to return them if I didn't like them. It doesn't get much better than that in the used marketplace.
Regarding what they pay for used stuff, that is entirely their business based on their internal market research and perhaps even search requests they receive from their clients. I have traded in gear to them that I might have sold on the open market but trading it in was a good way to get the deal done.
In my case it depended on what I was trying to sell them. They offered a crazy low price on a pair of speakers less than a year old, $500 for $4000 speakers, I passed on that. An amp they offered as much as I was offered here on A'gon after trying for a month to sell it, I took that offer.
Mark, Yeah I should have contacted them about the cables. A piece of one connector snapped off after about 2 months and the other cable not long afterward.
I hear you regarding the Atma-sphere. Maybe TMR didn’t really want the preamp, but they should have given me a reason. They could have said it would be tough for them to sell it, or maybe there’s not much demand. I did reply to show them past online sale prices which ranged from $1200 to $1500 and the rep wouldn’t change his offer. What makes me angry at them is it seems like they will buy or take a trade on anything. It's become a buyer beware situation for me.
I did hear from my buyer telling me that he was thrilled with the preamp. Since you asked, I upgraded to a used Audio Note linestage, the M2 Special which means it was a custom order with upgrades from the UK factory. I’m loving it.
Sorry for my harsh tone, but this has been a sore subject for me.
Hi lowrider57 I hear you on the cables and thinking you missed the return deadline. It is still surprising that you did not contact them, being so close to the perceived deadline. By your own account you considered them to be a reputable firm, and so at least some accommodation might have been expected.
I have to take you at your word on the UV-1 figures, so I apologize for the negative remark. Perhaps TMR have not had good experience reselling Atma-sphere equipment. I notice that Dick Olsher panned the phono stage in both Ablosute Sound and HiFi+. Enjoy The Music had no such reservations, however.
Even given that electronics tend to be undervalued when traded in, what amounts to a better than 75% discount seems a little steep. It worked out well for someone, though: The person who scored your 2 year old UV-1 for $1350. I wonder what you replaced it with.
Ok, so dont believe me. I’ve been on this forum a lot longer than you. If you were familiar with my threads and comments you would see that I dont troll, exaggerate, or make negative comments. This is an old thread and last year I made positive comments about TMR. Had good transactions with them.
First point; Purist makes very fine cables and at that time I had Aqueous Luminist cables. So I wanted to add another Purist and because the age of the cable and ownership was unknown, I wanted the connectors fully checked out. After only good experiences with TMR, provenance was not an issue in this case. These were possibly abused cables or the connectors were stressed by a previous owner and should have been more thoroughly inspected by the techs when traded in. What are the odds of connectors on both ICs breaking off. I only just read about the 45 day warranty, I thought it was 30 days. So, my bad for not returning them.
Next item was an Atma-sphere UV-1 preamp with phono, highly modified by Ralph. My cost new was $2700 and I owned it for 2 years, still had a warranty (which was attractive to the eventual buyer). The offer from TMR was $300. I dont want to hear that they need to recoup operating costs and make a profit in this case. Put it up for sale here and at US Audiomart, had offers and took about a month to sell. Also included lots of NOS tubes and sold the unit for $1350. So there’s my story which may sound like fantasy or BS to you.
I am the guy that started this thread. I did purchase from them and was satisfied with the transaction.
They have a 45 day return policy and pay return shipping for defective items. So something does not ring true about lowrider57’s claim. That also makes me wonder if the 3x claim isn’t a bit exaggerated.
Big_Greg's comment does ring true. One thing he does not mention is that their 45 day return policy means they assume that risk as well. TMR’s return policy (from their web site: Every purchase made at www.tmraudio.com carries a full 45 day return policy**. If you purchased your product from us elsewhere, a standard 30 day term applies. If you’re not happy with your purchase for any reason or if you’ve simply changed your mind... no problem. Simply ship it back for a full refund or exchange (minus S&H costs). If you have received an item that is defective in some way, we will make it right. Let us know - we will pay for return shipping and repair the item or refund 100% of your original purchase price. New items that have been opened will generally incur a 15% re-stocking fee. ** Items purchased on tmraudio.com using “Bread” financing are subject to a strict 30-day return window which begins from date of purchase.
Am I missing something, or do people not realize they are buying your old gear for the sole purpose of selling it?
Of course they're only going to pay a fraction of what "it's worth". They need to make a profit to cover their costs of doing business. Selling gear can be a hassle sometimes and what you're doing is basically paying them to deal with that for the convenience of an instant sale and fast cash.
The actual cost of almost any physical good sold by a company is a fraction of what they sell it for. They have fixed costs they have to cover with that margin, - facility costs, payroll, insurance, power, phones, internet, marketing, sales, etc. etc. etc.
not to mention making sure they make a small profit and stay in business.
I've bought and done trade-ins over the past few years and been very pleased with the outcome.
But, I dont think I'll be doing business with them again. I purchased a pair of Purist IC's and asked them to inspect and test the RCA connectors. The transaction went well, but after a few weeks a connector broke, then a connector broke on the second cable. Purist's price for installing new RCA's is very high. Now I'm stuck with these expensive cables.
The other reason is due to an insulting offer on a preamp I had for sale. I sent pics and received an offer so low that i laughed. I emailed back showing the prices on the used market and they wouldn't up their offer. I eventually sold the preamp on Audiogon for 3X the amount. I went to TMR first assuming I could make a fast sale at a fair price.
The problem with buying some items from them is the unknown provenance; eg, amount of owners unknown, age of item unknown.
I’ve purchased several items from them and been completely satisfied with the process. Very quick shipping and great packaging. I will continue to buy from them and recommend them.
Dealt with them a few times....mainly with them buying equipment for cash. Mostly positive...but at times can be very unrealistic with cash offers.....
I have had several very good experiences with them. Buying and selling. But of late they seem to be less cooperative with trade in value.
On the consignment program, be aware that you must ship the products to them to evaluate and take pictures. With very heavy speakers this can be expensive. And, they hold your product until/if you sell them. If it doesn’t sell you have to pay the shipping again to get them back.
Sounds like they don't want your cable. Better off to list it on US Audiomart or Audiogon, as I'd expect you to get a better price vs. selling to a reseller.
So far they've been really pleasant but they have Paypal as a credit card processor rather than having their own merchant account with FirstData. Normally this isn't a problem but it delayed my order because PayPal couldn't add my credit card and was clueless as to why, which resulted in my wasting about a hour on the phone with PayPal, eventually calling The Music Room back AGAIN to process the purchase using the same card through their back end, which SOMEHOW resulted in their shipping department delaying the order by a day ("because the order came in through a different portal"...hmmmm). I'm thankful they were able to take my card rather than forcing me to wait 24 hours for PayPal to approve adding the damn thing but really a business with any volume needs its own merchant account. Buying something from them should NOT be as hard as it was for me, and I have a 805 credit rating and no debt.
I just completed my first transaction with them, an upgrade from my PS Audio P10 Power Plant, to the new P15 model.
Not only are they "legit", but they offered a MUCH BETTER price on the upgrade, paid the shipping for my P10 return, and did all of this in lightening speed.
Yes very legit...I bought a used ARC Ref 5se. It was also supposed to come with brand new tubes... I emailed them back when it arrived and they sent me a set of brand new tubes for the 5se right away. Very good service and fast delivery. Packaging was very professional. They also did come down in price.It was in mint condition just as listed. And they have a 30 day money back guarentee. if not satisfied. Highly recommended.
Bought a few items from them Best to deal with them direct through their website or over the phone as they are willing to work on the price somewhat if neither ebay or agon are involved. Never had an issue at all.
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