ARC 100.2 vs. D240?

The dealer isn't dealing honestly. The fact is that he shouldn't be charging MORE in exchange for a component that has substantially less resale value. The deal should be predicated on the market value. The debate over which is better is irrelevant. If there is a 1K difference in fair market value with the 100.2 being of greater value, why is he adding an additional 500.00 to the price of a D240 which has lower market value? Your local dealer is a shark.

Wait....Is he giving you $500 or are you giving him $500?

If he's going to trade PLUS give you $500 then it might be worth it to you to save the hassle of selling your 100.2 on your own.

If he wants $500...Tell him in no uncertain terms where he can go. In addition, tell us who it is so that we can avoid him like the plague.

Unscrupulous devil!

Guys, I really appreciate all the responses. I'm relatively new to high end hifi and I'm trying to educate myself. Yes, indeed my dealer wants me to trade my 100.2 and give him $500 for the D240. Labtec nailed it. I am looking for tube like sound and my dealer swears that the D240 is the most tube-like SS amp ever made. I auditoned the new JM Lab Electra 926's and 946's on that monsterous new Rogue amp. To make his point, he switched back and forth several times between the D240, a 200wpc Plinius (don't know the model #) and the Rogue. Of course the Rogue was the winner, but while the D240 didn't have quite the soundstage of the Rogue, it more than held its own. In comparison to the Plinius, it didn't have quite the "punch" but it was much more articulate and detailed. Now, there was one caviat that the dealer offered that I forgot list. He said that the D240 wouldn't have quite the "punch" of the 100.2, but he would throw in a hard wired Straightwire power cord (don't know that model # either but it was sky blue in color) that he said retails for about $300. Regardless, it sounds like I'd still be coming up with the short end of the stick. I agree with Tubegroover, market value should determine price point, not personal taste or preference. Besides, I'm more than pleased with the 100.2 and how it performs with the my B&W's. I just wasn't sure how the 100.2 would perform if I decided to upgrade to one of the JMLabs (which by the way sound spectacular!) Any thoughts are welcome. THANKS!

If you prefer the D240 with the Electras, I would negotiate the best possible deal to buy the D240 outright from your dealer. Then, you can sell your 100.2 on Audiogon and probably put money in your pocket.

Dealers are notorious for giving very low value on trades. You have to remember that they pay wholesale for new stuff, so why would they give you market value for used gear - especially if you aren't buying something new and way more expensive.

I don't want to be a dealer apologist. However, it seems like this dealer spent a good amount of time with you and gave you the sound that you were seeking. That doesn't mean you have to accept a bad financial deal, but I would haggle with him and/or try the option I suggested.

herb4: Have you tried your 100.2 at the dealer's place with the JM Lab speakers? That might be an interesting experiment. I'd be amazed if the D240 sounded better than the 100.2. And keep in mind that there's a D240MKII, which most dealers (and Audio Research) believe is A LOT better than the D240.

Anyway, I still wouldn't trust that dealer. Market value of the old D240 is at least $1,000 less than the 100.2. Happy listening.