2. misc-audio
  3. 134120-10032

"Original" equipment vs. upgraded equipment

Hi,

I've always been curious as to why this is so important...at least to some folks? I've even seen one ad that stated: "born that way and not an upgrade". (Give me break.) As long as the equipment was upgraded by the OEM and brought up to current specs, what difference would it make, sonically or otherwise? Do people really believe that an upgraded piece of equipment is somehow inferior to a non upgraded piece? Can you hear a difference? Will it not last as long?  Please do tell. Thanks.
grk

Showing 2 responses by grk

grk OP
200 posts
 
Thanks! I have seen equipment from ARC, Ayre, CJ, etc., where the seller proudly states that the gear is original and not an upgrade from the company. I wonder what those companies would have to say about that?  I made a similar post on Audio Circle a couple of years ago and no one replied.

I would truly love to hear from someone who thinks that upgraded equipment is somehow inferior to non upgraded equipment. One example would be an ARC Ref 75 being upgraded to a 75SE. Is the upgraded version inferior to an original 75SE?  Perhaps desoldering and then resoldering affects the SQ? ; )
grk OP
200 posts
 
"In this example I would say that though the upgraded unit may sound the same, the original 75SE will have greater resale value on the used market.

Why? Because in the upgrade process, only certain parts are being upgraded, not the whole amp. So if you are buying an upgraded used 75SE, 70% of your parts may be a couple/few years older than a used original 75SE."

I'm not so sure that would make a big difference, even over the long haul...unless the capacitors, etc., were very old to begin with. Also, as someone else pointed out...there is always a big depreciation on new gear. It's usually cheaper to upgrade.
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