General Asylum

Posted by Chris Garrett (i) on April 05, 2001 at 15:52:10

In Reply to: More used high end equipment for less $$? posted by Jonathon on April 05, 2001 at 14:27:31:

I actually purchased my system without listening to any of the pieces first and only saw pictures from the various websites.

This being said, I got my speakers, preamp, amps, DAC, line conditioner and cables all used. I did buy a new PP300, CDP, TT, phono stage and cartridge(s).

I try and communicate with the person as much as possible prior to sending off the money order or bank check. A phone call is a cheap way to get some piece of mind, although it won't tell you everything. Ask questions, get the Serial Number and email the company. I did this with my preamp and got confirmation as to its actual age.

I won't call it 'being burned' but there was a pair of tubes I bought along with another, that failed in circuit after about 45 minutes, but I had the opportunity to send them back to Canada and just haven't done so--so my fault there. Also, a seller who knew better, told me my Cary SLAM 100s had the oil cap upgrade and when I sent them back to Cary for an unrelated issue, Kirk Owen told me that they did not have them. I got a good deal, so I didn't complain.

Buying used allows one to step up to the next level for the same price.

Chris