You guys are right about McIntosh. I have owned McIntosh units for decades and have sent three tuners to the factory. All come back in perfect working condition, and look like they are brand new.
Two preamps are available....
Question: Two preamps are available for sale on Audiogon.....both are listed at the same, identical price.
One is factory refurbished and "as new" with manufacturer's warranty from an Audiogon dealer and the other is in 9/10 condition from a private seller. Both sellers have excellent feedback.
- Which one would you buy and why?
- What are your positives and negatives about units that are factory refurbished?
Thanks.
One is factory refurbished and "as new" with manufacturer's warranty from an Audiogon dealer and the other is in 9/10 condition from a private seller. Both sellers have excellent feedback.
- Which one would you buy and why?
- What are your positives and negatives about units that are factory refurbished?
Thanks.
21 responses Add your response
Used units used sparingly could be amazing. A used unit by someone living 10 ft from the ocean would be a problem as salt water corrodes electronics especially open designs like tube gear. Even very good capacitors have a set period of time like 15 years after which a new set would be cool to have. Refurbished units are also used units. No the caps are still the same unless they have been replaced. Several good units are available from dealers that are refurbished to save you some money. Look us up if you have more questions. www.sunnyaudiovideo.com |
If its as reputable company the refurbished would be thoroughly checked over before put back in the box. With usual quality control it will be checked, but not always as much as a refurbished unit. At least, that was how it was when I worked for a turntable company years ago. The quality check can be more intensified with a refurbished unit. |
Guys, that was just a general statement. Obviously , boutique manufactures such as McIntosh will put a lot more effort into re-certifying and working to present "refurbs". I did not now which particular preamp the OP was looking at. There are some companies that will just be "does it make sound? Then certify it!". |
Sorry, but I'm going to jump in here again. I was in the high-end audio business for over 25 years. Not once did I ever send a "demo" unit back to the manufacturer, (unless there was an upgrade to the model). We always sold our demo units at a discount. I would be more worried, (if I was to worry over such a thing) that the used unit might have been a dealer demo. Also, as good as NAD is, it's not a McIntosh. Again, buy the refurb and don't worry, be happy :-) |
I'd go with the manufacture date as well. If the "refurb" unit was a dealer demo, having working in some high end dealers in the past, most of the equipment on our floor had LOTS of hours on them, most turned "on" in the morning, left "on" all day, six days a week. Back in the day I bought a "demo" NAD receiver which developed a left channel out problem, and the "warranty" the dealer gave me was worthless, they never fixed that problem. |
The "factory refurbished" really doesn’t mean anything. They usually just do a full test and don’t repair anything.Sorry, that’s not entirely true. It depends on the manufacturer and what was originally wrong with the unit. I sold hundreds of B-Stock units and had just as much success with these as any new units. I have also owned quite a few refurbs and never had a problem. Buy the refurb... |
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Ask for serial numbers. Then check with the manufacturer to see if they can tell you the exact date of manufacture. Then buy the newer preamp. In all audio equipment, the electrolytic caps will age. The younger device will most likely have the longer life (as far as continued sound quality). The "factory refurbished" really doesn't mean anything. They usually just do a full test and don't repair anything. You will have a limited warranty, however. |