Yes, this feedback situation complicates the matter. I always talk, usually through e-mails, before offering anything, trying to read between the lines of the conversation and in the item description. I also don't buy very popular stuff which, I think, more often ends up in the hands of people who are not very honest audiophiles.
Say, it is less likely perhaps to be screwed up by those who sell LAMM, VAC, Gryphon or Nottingham than by those who sell some other brands. And I mean individuals not dealers.
As for light use of equipment, some people drive hard their amps and speakers so even 2000 hours will not be light use. With players, yeah, there is another problem, they can just stop playing next day after you bought them.
For example, I have an eleven years old CEC belt drive player. After about 3000 hours I had to replace the belt, now it plays just like new but it might break any day nonetheless.
Say, it is less likely perhaps to be screwed up by those who sell LAMM, VAC, Gryphon or Nottingham than by those who sell some other brands. And I mean individuals not dealers.
As for light use of equipment, some people drive hard their amps and speakers so even 2000 hours will not be light use. With players, yeah, there is another problem, they can just stop playing next day after you bought them.
For example, I have an eleven years old CEC belt drive player. After about 3000 hours I had to replace the belt, now it plays just like new but it might break any day nonetheless.