Yesterday I received a used Hegel Rost, it was sold as a trade in and the dealer has offered 3 months warranty. Works well so far and looks like new. The power cable, remote and batteries were unused. I got it at less than half retail price and was £350 cheaper than pre-owned units on eBay. A real deal if it lasts me a few years
Great job guys, enjoyed the video. I’ve purchased and sold used audio gear. The gear I sold was in excellent condition (my own personal gear) and the folks that purchased were very happy with it. I was happy to keep an item at a price lower than my asking. Price it fair and it will sell. On purchases, I think I’ve been fortunate at least so far. I love vintage 90’s reference gear. I brought two mono-block amps from a gentlemen. He seemed honest in our discussions provided detailed pictures highlighted all blemishes, there were very few and only close up picture showed them. He also took off the top plate and the condition inside was excellent and original. I was very impressed. It turned out that he was a collector of models that I was very interested in collecting myself. I kept in contact with him and he eventually agreed to sell me his best pieces (two more mono-blocks and control amplifier) all mint condition with the original boxes packing materials, etc. they were obviously reasonably used (not abused) and well maintained. Same deal with the vintage CD player and phono equalizer amplifier from the same collection. It took awhile to collect those last two pieces. I was always willing to walk away from a deal if I felt uncomfortable or if the seller was unwilling to take the extra steps to convince me I was getting the right piece at a fair price. It’s not all horror stories.
Half of my gear is used, recently divorced I didn't have a lot of disposable income. Bought speakers through Harmon audio Ebay outlet. Got IL50S for $468 shipped to me. Carver av705x used $450. When I got it one channel was out, the seller offered full refund or send it for repair. I opted for him to repair it. He spent $269 for repair got it back 3 weeks later. Still have it 17 years later. Not bad. Got a Marantz av7005 preamp processor for $350, was $1500 retail and works and sounds amazing. I buy through PayPal and have never been stuck. Saved a bunch of money. That's my experience. .
I purchased a Mcintosh Mc2300 on eBay and it was shipped in a military shipping crate but was dropped from a 727 cargo plane onto the tarmac. It went through the crate, the auotoformers and transformer shelf in the amp bent so badly that it smashed the caps and extended the bottom out so badly that it would rock on the floor. However after beating it with a small sledgehammer back straight and replacing the caps and remounting the heatsinks it worked! Still to this day it's going great. Its a bit ugly but sounds just like a pristine one. It's my shop amp so that's ok.
I have no problems buying used electronics - amps and preamps particularly - and have been pleased with the results. Doubt I would buy speakers except demos from a dealer that I could audition at length.
I bought a Supex MC cartridge in 1980 for $500. It hasn't been made in many years and it is now selling on Ebay for $600. I'm still using that same cartridge and it still sounds great.
I've bought a lot of used gear and had pretty good luck. I worked in electronics for decades so I can fix a lot the stuff myself. A few years ago I picked up a Hafler 120 power amp from the late 80's for $540 because one channel was out. Turned out it was a 10 cent diode that failed. while I was in there I changed out some caps and got a good power amp for short cash. I agree you have to be careful when buying anything mechanical sight unseen.
The most bomb-proof and dependable used purchase in my experience is Naim Audio. Their service department is beyond reproach, and they'll happily take a 30-year-old amplifier/whatever and restore it to as-new, original condition using their vast on-the-shelf stock of NOS parts. They're expensive - but superb. Used Naim gear also holds its value incredibly well.
I bought all my equipment used, good experience. Adam Tensor Delta Spekers (US 10K retail - bought for 2.5k Display Model with Warranty from Authorized Dealer), and after 4 yrs speakers are still working fine and recently I bough Hegel hd30 dac for 2200$, all from ebay. My speakers did have slight damage on binding post in shipping. The dealer shipped me replacement original binding posts (still not used) so real good experience and luck so far and I save hell lotta mony and get to njoy equipment and sound which otherwise I wouldn't. It's the only way for me to experience this hobby lol.
I recently bought a used Bel Canto integrated amp (MSRP 1,999), for $600 off of eBay. I prayed as soon as I paid for it that it will be as described In my communications with seller. I’m listening to it now and I am in love with it. I would not buy any phono cartridges used.
Bought a Carver av705x 5 channel power amplifier in 2003 from Ebay with PayPal payment. Paid $450 when I got it one channel was out. Called the seller, very understanding gave me the option of full refund or send it to Carver for repair. He paid $269 to repair it up to specs. Got it back 3 weeks later and I have had it ever since. Quiet, cool running and power to kick ass. 2 years ago I needed a 2 channel amp for out door speakers. Paid $88 for an Adcom gfa 535, I get it and one channel out. Seller tells me it was in a closet for 20 years. I told him don't you think you should have mentored that. Got a full refund repaired it locally for $130. That works great now. I did well
Reason why I bought my Sansui G-8000 cost me 1400.00US and about 50 hours cleaning and and servicing only replaced the protection Relays and i had the power caps refilled and they was tuff installing back in point to point wiring and soldier but sounds amazing rich warmth sound Need to upgrade me dac but the one i want is on back order Jay !! 😆
That happened to me once I sold some book shelf speakers on ebay the buyer says theres a buzzing sound and sends them back I hooked them up and sure enough there was a buzzing sound I thought that's strange they were perfect before I thought must got damaged in transit. Any weeks later I had a look at them I pulled them apart and found he had changed the drivers and crossovers over And did a crap job at it too Unbelievable what some people will do
I had an Aragon 404, it was a terrible match for the 2 generation B&W 802 Matrix. Unfortunately I sold it before I replaced my speakers for the original Gallo Nucleus Ref..
Cambridge audio is Bull Shit, and l feel sorry for everyone who purchase those semiproducts. I pick new CA cd player and it blow within few days. Same thing with my friend who also pick some CA stuff, and he is wery dissapointed with it as it broke within a one week.
Enjoyed this video a lot and think it needs a follow up on more great used gear worth owning. Perhaps you guys can mention some gear you wish you never sold. What brands hold their value and investment better? What to avoid? Another part I think that would helpful in buying used gear is if the gear can still be repaired? And at what cost if need be? It's important because just to get some gear looked at by some companies have a minimum fee plus repairs/refurbishment. Some want close to a $1k just as a minimum like if your were fixing a krell or mark Levinson piece. Thanks !
I got tons of horror stories buying used in the US... I bought two Kenwood Supreme 600 integrated at two different times, first one was okay but the I can hear noise in one of the channels more; the second one shipped without proper protection and DOA. I also got a Sony TA-F808ES which was in "excellent" shape, shipped with its original box. Arrived and one of the channels was oscillating in and out of spec (like 0V -> 1V and back) at the speaker output, it became a total write-off. A pair of B&W 804 Nautilus that arrived shipping damaged with some parts swapped out by the previous and the speakers sounded different. Seller insisted it sounded "great" and it was another write-off. An Audio Research VT100 MK2 that comes with mixed tube and after a week or so "working" it goes up in smoke one day. A pair of Totem Arros that looks alright but one of the tweeters was going out and sounded different, again seller said it "sounds great" and he was the original owner. Took me a couple hundred to repair. CD Players (Sony ES series) that comes with a not-really-working laser head (SCD-777ES, SCD-1), Some Rotel amps destroyed in shipping... And a Sony PS-X555ES turntable junked by shipping again... Anyway, most of these happened in USAudioMart. However I did have some luck in scoring some good ones, like a McIntosh MHA-100 in mint condition (except the sticky remote), Wyred4Sound products (preamps), a pair of Sonus Faber Olympica II which I used for 3 years, Esoteric X-03SE, Krell Evo 302 just to name a few. I think the key is to make sure it's shipped correctly and ask as many questions as needed (and photos), and NOT buy from USAudioMart as they can do nothing to correct a transaction. eBay was great before they implemented tax on used products, and I see much less successful audio sales (>1000USD) on eBay these days. Audiogon is another good sites that I bought from.
Golden Tube made great sounding gear in the late 90's but were notorious for breaking down. I own the SE 100 amp. Great amp but requires maintenance. The SE 40 amps break down all the time. In the early days of Audiogon - You could buy excellent used equipment. Now I would buy with extreme caution.
Personally, I would not but a second hand CD player unless I know I can order a new laser for it. Otherwise, it's like ordering a blunt knife. It would have to be a really really nice knife (handle).
I got some great used equipment. Some were like new at half the price. Some were in good condition at 30% new price with many many more years of life in them.
My vintage Luxman is still working good, but only one input is working good. I had it repaired once. Two vintage Pioneer amps I bought broke. One Pioneer I let it fix multiple times. Yet it still stopped working.
Today's new equipment will be tomorrow's used equipment. You can have problems getting satisfactory warrantee service on new equipment too. I bought an expensive Denon CD player new many years ago. The clamper arm went out of alignment. After 3 failed factory attempts to repair it I had to fix it myself using a shim. That's only one example of many I know of. In Yamaha's early days their receivers had a nasty way of blowing up. It's not just audio equipment. After a problem with a new desktop computer I have resolved that I will never buy a Hewlett Packard anything again as long as I live.
That's crazy I can't believe someone would steal a bunch of components from inside an amp AND replace them. How much time did that take? That's the weirdest thing I ever heard.
The mark ups on new products are just outrageous. The reason for that is audiophile population is diminishing and manufacturers have to raise price to counter lower sales volume. If FM Acoustics can sell as many as iphones, the price will be much much lower...
But the Meridian can be repaired by Meridian themselves or qualified repair shop. Any item can be repaired even water damaged sounds a strange story, sounds like the guys swapped it for a different amp is the one you took home, if it had water damage it would have shown an issue at the time. Somebody took you for a ride mate. Make sure you pack the item or watch them like a hawk don't stand behind the person be right next to them even take a picture with your phone or the serial number plate of the item and listening to. Should be buying individual tubes anyway you have to buy them in balanced pairs reputable sellers should tell you what the parameters were on tubes when they were tested should be written on the box. Blueglow electronics has a RUclips channel sales valves in pairs on eBay
How to tell the difference between an audio engineer and an idiot. .......Idiots almost always talk about brand names..... .........Audio engineers almost never mention brand names....... ........why is that?
Funny, another Audiophile channel with a very bad sound.....you sell high dollar equipment and are not able to deliver a good sound on your videos? I don't get it.
Yesterday I received a used Hegel Rost, it was sold as a trade in and the dealer has offered 3 months warranty. Works well so far and looks like new. The power cable, remote and batteries were unused. I got it at less than half retail price and was £350 cheaper than pre-owned units on eBay.
A real deal if it lasts me a few years
Great job guys, enjoyed the video. I’ve purchased and sold used audio gear. The gear I sold was in excellent condition (my own personal gear) and the folks that purchased were very happy with it. I was happy to keep an item at a price lower than my asking. Price it fair and it will sell. On purchases, I think I’ve been fortunate at least so far. I love vintage 90’s reference gear. I brought two mono-block amps from a gentlemen. He seemed honest in our discussions provided detailed pictures highlighted all blemishes, there were very few and only close up picture showed them. He also took off the top plate and the condition inside was excellent and original. I was very impressed. It turned out that he was a collector of models that I was very interested in collecting myself. I kept in contact with him and he eventually agreed to sell me his best pieces (two more mono-blocks and control amplifier) all mint condition with the original boxes packing materials, etc. they were obviously reasonably used (not abused) and well maintained. Same deal with the vintage CD player and phono equalizer amplifier from the same collection. It took awhile to collect those last two pieces. I was always willing to walk away from a deal if I felt uncomfortable or if the seller was unwilling to take the extra steps to convince me I was getting the right piece at a fair price. It’s not all horror stories.
Half of my gear is used, recently divorced I didn't have a lot of disposable income. Bought speakers through Harmon audio Ebay outlet. Got IL50S for $468 shipped to me. Carver av705x used $450. When I got it one channel was out, the seller offered full refund or send it for repair. I opted for him to repair it. He spent $269 for repair got it back 3 weeks later. Still have it 17 years later. Not bad. Got a Marantz av7005 preamp processor for $350, was $1500 retail and works and sounds amazing. I buy through PayPal and have never been stuck. Saved a bunch of money.
That's my experience.
.
I purchased a Mcintosh Mc2300 on eBay and it was shipped in a military shipping crate but was dropped from a 727 cargo plane onto the tarmac. It went through the crate, the auotoformers and transformer shelf in the amp bent so badly that it smashed the caps and extended the bottom out so badly that it would rock on the floor. However after beating it with a small sledgehammer back straight and replacing the caps and remounting the heatsinks it worked! Still to this day it's going great. Its a bit ugly but sounds just like a pristine one. It's my shop amp so that's ok.
I have no problems buying used electronics - amps and preamps particularly - and have been pleased with the results. Doubt I would buy speakers except demos from a dealer that I could audition at length.
I bought a Supex MC cartridge in 1980 for $500. It hasn't been made in many years and it is now selling on Ebay for $600. I'm still using that same cartridge and it still sounds great.
I've bought a lot of used gear and had pretty good luck. I worked in electronics for decades so I can fix a lot the stuff myself. A few years ago I picked up a Hafler 120 power amp from the late 80's for $540 because one channel was out. Turned out it was a 10 cent diode that failed. while I was in there I changed out some caps and got a good power amp for short cash.
I agree you have to be careful when buying anything mechanical sight unseen.
The most bomb-proof and dependable used purchase in my experience is Naim Audio. Their service department is beyond reproach, and they'll happily take a 30-year-old amplifier/whatever and restore it to as-new, original condition using their vast on-the-shelf stock of NOS parts. They're expensive - but superb. Used Naim gear also holds its value incredibly well.
I bought all my equipment used, good experience. Adam Tensor Delta Spekers (US 10K retail - bought for 2.5k Display Model with Warranty from Authorized Dealer), and after 4 yrs speakers are still working fine and recently I bough Hegel hd30 dac for 2200$, all from ebay. My speakers did have slight damage on binding post in shipping. The dealer shipped me replacement original binding posts (still not used) so real good experience and luck so far and I save hell lotta mony and get to njoy equipment and sound which otherwise I wouldn't. It's the only way for me to experience this hobby lol.
I recently bought a used Bel Canto integrated amp (MSRP 1,999), for $600 off of eBay. I prayed as soon as I paid for it that it will be as described In my communications with seller. I’m listening to it now and I am in love with it. I would not buy any phono cartridges used.
Bought a Carver av705x 5 channel power amplifier in 2003 from Ebay with PayPal payment. Paid $450 when I got it one channel was out. Called the seller, very understanding gave me the option of full refund or send it to Carver for repair. He paid $269 to repair it up to specs. Got it back 3 weeks later and I have had it ever since. Quiet, cool running and power to kick ass. 2 years ago I needed a 2 channel amp for out door speakers. Paid $88 for an Adcom gfa 535, I get it and one channel out. Seller tells me it was in a closet for 20 years. I told him don't you think you should have mentored that. Got a full refund repaired it locally for $130. That works great now. I did well
Reason why I bought my Sansui G-8000 cost me 1400.00US and about 50 hours cleaning and and servicing only replaced the protection Relays and i had the power caps refilled and they was tuff installing back in point to point wiring and soldier but sounds amazing rich warmth sound Need to upgrade me dac but the one i want is on back order Jay !! 😆
typically capacitors will need to be replaced on used gear, especially for amplifiers.
That is not completely true.I've got 45 year old NAD and it sounds absolutely flawless.Better than anything new i've heard...
That happened to me once I sold some book shelf speakers on ebay the buyer says theres a buzzing sound and sends them back I hooked them up and sure enough there was a buzzing sound I thought that's strange they were perfect before I thought must got damaged in transit. Any weeks later I had a look at them I pulled them apart and found he had changed the drivers and crossovers over And did a crap job at it too Unbelievable what some people will do
Did you at least give him a bad review?
I had an Aragon 404, it was a terrible match for the 2 generation B&W 802 Matrix. Unfortunately I sold it before I replaced my speakers for the original Gallo Nucleus Ref..
CAMBRIDGE Audio also does right side up and upside down on the back of it's amps.
I picked up a twenty year old CA A500 that has some serious grunt for 65 wpc. You get a lot for your money with CA.
Cambridge audio is Bull Shit, and l feel sorry for everyone who purchase those semiproducts. I pick new CA cd player and it blow within few days. Same thing with my friend who also pick some CA stuff, and he is wery dissapointed with it as it broke within a one week.
Enjoyed this video a lot and think it needs a follow up on more great used gear worth owning. Perhaps you guys can mention some gear you wish you never sold. What brands hold their value and investment better? What to avoid? Another part I think that would helpful in buying used gear is if the gear can still be repaired? And at what cost if need be? It's important because just to get some gear looked at by some companies have a minimum fee plus repairs/refurbishment. Some want close to a $1k just as a minimum like if your were fixing a krell or mark Levinson piece. Thanks !
I got tons of horror stories buying used in the US... I bought two Kenwood Supreme 600 integrated at two different times, first one was okay but the I can hear noise in one of the channels more; the second one shipped without proper protection and DOA. I also got a Sony TA-F808ES which was in "excellent" shape, shipped with its original box. Arrived and one of the channels was oscillating in and out of spec (like 0V -> 1V and back) at the speaker output, it became a total write-off. A pair of B&W 804 Nautilus that arrived shipping damaged with some parts swapped out by the previous and the speakers sounded different. Seller insisted it sounded "great" and it was another write-off. An Audio Research VT100 MK2 that comes with mixed tube and after a week or so "working" it goes up in smoke one day. A pair of Totem Arros that looks alright but one of the tweeters was going out and sounded different, again seller said it "sounds great" and he was the original owner. Took me a couple hundred to repair. CD Players (Sony ES series) that comes with a not-really-working laser head (SCD-777ES, SCD-1), Some Rotel amps destroyed in shipping... And a Sony PS-X555ES turntable junked by shipping again... Anyway, most of these happened in USAudioMart.
However I did have some luck in scoring some good ones, like a McIntosh MHA-100 in mint condition (except the sticky remote), Wyred4Sound products (preamps), a pair of Sonus Faber Olympica II which I used for 3 years, Esoteric X-03SE, Krell Evo 302 just to name a few. I think the key is to make sure it's shipped correctly and ask as many questions as needed (and photos), and NOT buy from USAudioMart as they can do nothing to correct a transaction. eBay was great before they implemented tax on used products, and I see much less successful audio sales (>1000USD) on eBay these days. Audiogon is another good sites that I bought from.
Golden Tube made great sounding gear in the late 90's but were notorious for breaking down.
I own the SE 100 amp. Great amp but requires maintenance. The SE 40 amps break down all
the time.
In the early days of Audiogon - You could buy excellent used equipment. Now I would buy
with extreme caution.
Personally, I would not but a second hand CD player unless I know I can order a new laser for it. Otherwise, it's like ordering a blunt knife. It would have to be a really really nice knife (handle).
I got some great used equipment. Some were like new at half the price. Some were in good condition at 30% new price with many many more years of life in them.
My vintage Luxman is still working good, but only one input is working good. I had it repaired once.
Two vintage Pioneer amps I bought broke. One Pioneer I let it fix multiple times. Yet it still stopped working.
75% of my rig is pre- owned and everything has been flawless!
Today's new equipment will be tomorrow's used equipment. You can have problems getting satisfactory warrantee service on new equipment too. I bought an expensive Denon CD player new many years ago. The clamper arm went out of alignment. After 3 failed factory attempts to repair it I had to fix it myself using a shim. That's only one example of many I know of. In Yamaha's early days their receivers had a nasty way of blowing up. It's not just audio equipment. After a problem with a new desktop computer I have resolved that I will never buy a Hewlett Packard anything again as long as I live.
That's crazy I can't believe someone would steal a bunch of components from inside an amp AND replace them. How much time did that take? That's the weirdest thing I ever heard.
I have bought new and used depends on the deal and how bad I want it. Definitely a risk buying used.Still have a Sansui AU 717 that I bought new
Get Yamaha MX series and you will smile every time you listening to music!Especially MX1.
Excellent video
I do not ever buy used electronics. New equipment has parts and labor warranties for example BRYSTON has a 20 year warranty on is amplifiers.
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Would you please tell me .. which website you recommend for buy in Europe ??!!
Hi Fi Shark-Pre-dominantley European market
Often if you buy McIntosh used it can be worth as much as you paid or more after 5 years.
I stay away from used gear: there’s almost always issues. A subject that needs coverage it’s individual technicians: we all have one.
Not a JBL fan?
The mark ups on new products are just outrageous. The reason for that is audiophile population is diminishing and manufacturers have to raise price to counter lower sales volume. If FM Acoustics can sell as many as iphones, the price will be much much lower...
Great job.
I have bought 3 used equipment, luckily, I have never had problem. But, now, I'd rather not to deal with used stuff.
you guys are great!
It is always a risk but I have been lucky I guess
Never buy used subs...yeah, I learned that the wrong way...
Please change the title of the video. It doesn't match with the chat.
Caveat EMPTOR !
But the Meridian can be repaired by Meridian themselves or qualified repair shop.
Any item can be repaired even water damaged sounds a strange story, sounds like the guys swapped it for a different amp is the one you took home, if it had water damage it would have shown an issue at the time. Somebody took you for a ride mate. Make sure you pack the item or watch them like a hawk don't stand behind the person be right next to them even take a picture with your phone or the serial number plate of the item and listening to.
Should be buying individual tubes anyway you have to buy them in balanced pairs reputable sellers should tell you what the parameters were on tubes when they were tested should be written on the box. Blueglow electronics has a RUclips channel sales valves in pairs on eBay
Too many scammers out there these days to buy or sell stuff.
well ... ressently I sold a tube preamp on the net :) ...but when it arrived at the client , a tube was broken ...I'm sorry !!!!
I wont be buying any used tubed gear from you,you obviously don't know how to pack properly
How to tell the difference between an audio engineer and an idiot.
.......Idiots almost always talk about brand names.....
.........Audio engineers almost never mention brand names.......
........why is that?
Funny, another Audiophile channel with a very bad sound.....you sell high dollar equipment and are not able to deliver a good sound on your videos? I don't get it.