My first rule is to buy the best stuff, from the best places at the best price you can get. Then if you have a problem it won't be a problem to get it resolved. As the saying goes "The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten." My second rule, if buying used the feedback rating is the most important thing. Yours or their integrity or feedback is everything. Buying from a good seller can introduce oneself to a much higher level of gear than you might be able to afford otherwise. I would tend to buy gear new that has wear items in it such as tape transports,cd players etc. They can often be found at the best discounts. Used from a high feedback seller for pre-amps,amps and speakers and such. And whatever you buy, obtain items that are not older than five years old. Time can affect anything for the worse.
Buying used when you should have bought new...
Some time ago I bought an item off Audiogon. I personally picked up the item. The price was right and the item was as described. Deal done. No problems with the seller.
The item lasted a few months before it started to act up. It needed repair. It had no warranty so I searched for a retail dealer to get the item fixed. I found a dealer, but they refused to service the item because it was not purchased through them. Ok, I searched for a repair shop which was tough, but I found one of high reputation that knew what they were doing.
I picked up the item today and it sounds great.
However, after what I paid the seller and then what I paid for repair, I could have almost purchased the item new for a couple more bucks.
What items, if any, should be bought new, if possible, and what items can be bought used to be safe? Is there a guideline of some kind?
The item lasted a few months before it started to act up. It needed repair. It had no warranty so I searched for a retail dealer to get the item fixed. I found a dealer, but they refused to service the item because it was not purchased through them. Ok, I searched for a repair shop which was tough, but I found one of high reputation that knew what they were doing.
I picked up the item today and it sounds great.
However, after what I paid the seller and then what I paid for repair, I could have almost purchased the item new for a couple more bucks.
What items, if any, should be bought new, if possible, and what items can be bought used to be safe? Is there a guideline of some kind?