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Verity Audio Fidelio

195.46.148.130

Posted on January 20, 2017 at 05:35:45

KOCA
Audiophile

Posts: 22
Location: South Florida
Joined: March 14, 2003

Hello,
I am considering to purchase a used Verity Fidelio (not Encore) speakers that was built in 2001. I have never heard them but I have heard the Parsifal at CES and although I could not give a serious listening Parsifal was the best sound I had heard at the show. I will get to listen to the Verity's before I purchase (may not be the best room setup) but I was wondering if buying $2700 speakers that is 16 years old a smart decision? Can't I get a newer speaker with similar sound qualities? Thanks for your feedback.

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RE: Verity Audio Fidelio

fantja

15:45:57 01/20/17

RE: Verity Audio Fidelio

Gary

14:48:02 01/20/17

RE: Verity Audio Fidelio

KOCA

15:18:23 01/20/17

...

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RE: Verity Audio Fidelio

fantja

15:45:57 01/20/17

RE: Verity Audio Fidelio

Gary

14:48:02 01/20/17

RE: Verity Audio Fidelio

KOCA

15:18:23 01/20/17

RE: Verity Audio Fidelio

Gary

15:24:22 01/20/17

RE: Verity Audio Fidelio

BCR

14:04:40 01/20/17

RE: Verity Audio Fidelio

KOCA

14:35:55 01/20/17

Not their high-end speaker at the time...

Ivan303

09:07:07 01/20/17

hawkmoon

10:10:31 01/20/17

At least 5 years, Verity says

KOCA

10:37:49 01/20/17

KOCA

10:45:25 01/20/17

PAR

15:42:17 01/20/17

Trouser Trout

19:43:04 01/21/17

PAR

07:07:45 01/22/17

mlsstl

11:27:22 01/20/17

KOCA

11:46:55 01/20/17

mlsstl

20:06:09 01/20/17

fantja

07:10:13 01/21/17

KOCA

05:24:10 01/23/17

fantja

05:39:07 01/23/17

Not their high-end speaker at the time..., posted on January 20, 2017 at 09:07:07

Ivan303
Audiophile

Posts: 48887
Location: Cadiere d'azur FRANCE - Santa Fe, NM
Joined: February 26, 2001

and no longer in the line.

I wouldn't pay anywhere near the $2500 price you mention for a speaker that could have been had for a bit more than twice that when new (yes, it listed for more but nobody pays list price for speakers if they own half a brain).

Me?

I'd call the manufacture to insure that replacement drivers are available (mid driver claims to be 'custom'), and if the maintain parts for the year and version you plan to buy. If the manufacturer shows little interest in helping you consider giving the opportunity a pass.

First they came for the dumb-asses
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a dumb-ass

Good Advice, posted on January 20, 2017 at 10:10:31
hawkmoon Audiophile Posts: 903 Location: cleveland Joined: July 11, 2003	Getting parts is critical to owning speakers.

At least 5 years, Verity says, posted on January 20, 2017 at 10:37:49
KOCA Audiophile Posts: 22 Location: South Florida Joined: March 14, 2003	Reply from the manufacturer: Regarding the repair, of course it depends of how far in time are we talking about. What I can say, is that currently, we do have replacement units available and we do expect to have some for the upcoming 5 years or so at least.

75% off, posted on January 20, 2017 at 10:45:25
KOCA Audiophile Posts: 22 Location: South Florida Joined: March 14, 2003	I think speakers at this age needs to be 75% off. I think I should pay $2000 max.

RE: 75% off, posted on January 20, 2017 at 11:27:22
mlsstl Audiophile Posts: 1079 Location: Midwest Joined: September 1, 2015	Just curious... is it smart to discuss your price negotiating strategy in a public forum?

Why not?, posted on January 20, 2017 at 11:46:55
KOCA Audiophile Posts: 22 Location: South Florida Joined: March 14, 2003	:)

RE: Verity Audio Fidelio, posted on January 20, 2017 at 14:04:40

BCR
Audiophile

Posts: 2446
Location: connecticut
Joined: April 7, 2009

If you like them and can get them for 2 grand you should go for it! Here is some info in case you don't have!

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/verity_fidelio.htm

RE: Verity Audio Fidelio, posted on January 20, 2017 at 14:35:55
KOCA Audiophile Posts: 22 Location: South Florida Joined: March 14, 2003	Thanks! I have read pretty much everything there is on the net about them:) I agree with you and others. They may be great speakers but I will probably be their last owner or I will sell them (if I have to) to someone for a lot cheaper than I purchased. $2000 seems right even less if I can. We'll see.

RE: Verity Audio Fidelio, posted on January 20, 2017 at 14:48:02

Gary
Audiophile

Posts: 1297
Location: New York, NY
Joined: April 21, 2000

What happens if you get them home and they don't work out in your room with your amplification? I doubt you'll be able to avoid reselling them at a loss. Newer speakers, depending upon which ones, might be a little better in that respect, though you'll still lose money.

However, I don't blame you for wanting Verity speakers. A few years ago I felt the same way after a couple of shows where I heard the Parsifal. They are truly amazing speakers. But I knew I couldn't afford them and knew they were too large for my room. So I considered the same speaker you're looking at. I was never able to hear a pair. I decided that if I ever were going to buy Verity speakers it would be the ones I knew I wanted rather than settling for something that seemed to me to be cut from a lesser cloth. I eventually ended up with speakers I like very, very much.

But that's just me. At least you'll be able to hear them. Good luck but keep in mind there are a good number of new speakers that might work just as well for you. I hope you'll let us know what happens. I'm certainly curious.

Thanks,
Gary

RE: Verity Audio Fidelio, posted on January 20, 2017 at 15:18:23

KOCA
Audiophile

Posts: 22
Location: South Florida
Joined: March 14, 2003

@Gary: Exactly! I do want Verity speakers since I have heard the Parsifals at CES 2000. They were always very expensive for me and finally I am close to get Verity speakers that I can afford (still barely). I am almost certain I will like the Fidelios but I do have risks such as not working in my room like you mentioned. Not an easy call especially when they are still pretty expensive.

I will definitely write here what happens.

BTW, what is your current speakers? I am curious.

RE: Verity Audio Fidelio, posted on January 20, 2017 at 15:24:22
Gary Audiophile Posts: 1297 Location: New York, NY Joined: April 21, 2000	I have the Ryan Speakers R620. I bought them after after hearing them at RMAF 2014. I've never regretted the purchase. They're wonderful speakers. Good luck.

RE: 75% off, posted on January 20, 2017 at 15:42:17

PAR

75% off of the new price 16 years ago? It is not realistic to expect all used audio equipment to follow some kind of fixed pricing structure. Reputation and desirability (demand) also comes in to it. As does monetary inflation which should not be overlooked - otherwise you are expecting a kind of double discount ( the original owner paid with the value of the dollar twenty years ago, not today - every $1000 spent then is worth $1356 now).

So $2K? If the seller agrees then fine, that's bargaining, but don't necessarily expect it.

RE: Verity Audio Fidelio, posted on January 20, 2017 at 15:45:57
fantja Audiophile Posts: 15524 Location: Alabama Joined: September 11, 2010	KOCA- I have always wanted to demo Verity Audio speakers. I would certainly consult Verity about the availability of replacement drivers and cross-overs, prior to, any purchase.

RE: Why not?, posted on January 20, 2017 at 20:06:09
mlsstl Audiophile Posts: 1079 Location: Midwest Joined: September 1, 2015	I've read a book or two on negotiating strategy and spent some years in sales. Let's just say public disclosure prior to negotiating with the other party isn't typical.

RE: Why not?, posted on January 21, 2017 at 07:10:13
fantja Audiophile Posts: 15524 Location: Alabama Joined: September 11, 2010	KOCA- what other gear, including cabling, is in your system?

RE: 75% off, posted on January 21, 2017 at 19:43:04
Trouser Trout Audiophile Posts: 286 Location: New England Joined: August 25, 2010	I agree there is no rule of thumb. Look at what 20 year old McIntosh gears sells for. Even Bob Carver Sunfire stereo amps from 20 years ago are getting 75% of original msrp. Speakers do tend to loose more value as they age.

RE: 75% off, posted on January 22, 2017 at 07:07:45

PAR

Yes indeed and some used items cost more now than their list price at the time of manufacture. Including some speakers.

Think of a pair of Quad ESLs manufactured in, say, 1969. They were roughly 114 gbp a pair in thier homeland (actual price was 54 gns each - then they were sold singly). That's about $140. If anyone can find a good pair of them for $140 then they are more than in luck! With the OP's reckoning they ought to be around $35 a pair or less. Over here currently they sell for the equivalent of around $1000 plus.

Of course Garrard 301 and 401 turntables now cost considerably more than their original price.

Just some examples there of why monetary inflation has to be accounted for.

I have concluded that what the OP really means is that he can't afford them.

RE: Why not?, posted on January 23, 2017 at 05:24:10

KOCA
Audiophile

Posts: 22
Location: South Florida
Joined: March 14, 2003

I listened to them connected to Octave V40 amp and AVM CD player/high end turntable. Very good equipment and of course it played the best with the LPs and good recorded CDs played good and bad ones played REALLY bad. Like it is supposed to, trash in trash out.

I cannot say I was WOWed and I was there with my wife who I trust her ears more than mine. She was not TOO impressed either. Though, definitely they sound better than my Audio Note AZ-1 and Elac UB5s.

I must say though, the speakers (although the equipment was top notch) were not set up properly. Big Wilson Audio speakers were there. Tight space. So, I am not going to say I cannot be wowed with them when set up properly.

@PAR: Yes, it is very expensive for me. I do know some products go above their original/market value but Verity Audio products are no classic (not yet at least).

@mlsstl: There is no negotiating here, I was just telling my opinion. It is just speakers. I cannot pay $2700 for them.

@fantja: My current setup (speakers are above), Logitech Squeezebox Touch, DH Labs BL1 interconnects, Harmonic Tech speaker cables, Chord Mojo DAC and TPA3116 Digital Amp.

RE: Why not?, posted on January 23, 2017 at 05:39:07
fantja Audiophile Posts: 15524 Location: Alabama Joined: September 11, 2010	TY- KOCA very few people know how (or care enough) to set up loudspeakers correctly. This is an art unto itself. Happy Listening!

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