The Music Room is Slipping

Plus 1 for The Music Room.

I just received a BAT VK-33se from them. I traded four components that I don't use anymore and paid $900 in cash. This is a great deal (for me)!

For reference, it sold for $8495 when new.

I've purchased components from them five times in the past several years. I've never felt ripped off.

I like that one can combine many unused components for a trade instead of having to go through the sale process for each component and then wait for the sales to happen.

The VK-33se looks new inside and out. It was very well packaged. I tested it and it meets every spec. So far, it sounds great....a little more detailed than my heavily modified AR LS22. The highs seem recessed in the LS22. I got used to it and enjoyed it.  Big revelation when I inserted the VK-33se.

My only (minor) gripe is that the process takes a while. I opted to wait until TMR received and tested my components. A week to get my components to TMR. A week for them to evaluate them. Then approval comes. Shipping is another week.

That's three weeks plus. I as willing to wait, but others may be less patient. TMR does offer the option to get the item right away. But you have to pay their full price. Several weeks later you'll get payment for the trade items. 

I once returned an item because I didn't like the way it sounded. No problem. I did have to wait for them to evaluate the item before they sent me the cash.

I also sell on eBay and US Audio Mart since TMR does not take everything. These transactions are more risky. I've also found that selling outside TMR really does not net me more cash and it takes a lot more work.

TMR does offer the option to get the item right away

the issue is that than you have to pay taxes in full. If you trade stuff in, you only pay taxes on the difference, if any

I’ve been dealing with TMR for years, I don’t think they’re slipping but like a restaurant it depends who the chef is on duty.  I think like many businesses they have suffered from high turnover.  Find someone you like to deal with there and use them exclusively.

Problems I’ve seen is ad information.  When you trade in gear you tell them how many owners there have been, how old it is, etc.  I think (based on some deduction but could be wrong) they just repeat what the customer tells them in some cases.  I’ve seen equipment that’s out of production for 15 years listed as 5 years old. Now in cases like Bryston, where the date of manufacture is in the serial number, I believe they would correct it.  But otherwise how would they know.

Best deal with TMR is to trade in gear towards something you want.  As the last poster said, you save on sales tax for one.  And they will often be willing to negotiate on both pieces.  They also give you a trade in credit, which increases the value of your trade.  If you decide not to keep the new item then you don’t get the trade credit back.  It’s a fair deal, I think, that allows you to get the best price while taking a little of the risk from “buy and try and return” folks off of TMR.

Overall, the hassle-free approach they offer is why I use them mostly, and over many transactions I’ve never had any problems with them, so that hasn’t slipped.  Plus they pay all shipping on trade ins and consignments from you to them.  No worrying about dealing with other ‘philes, whether they’re home or not when the stuff gets delivered, did they get it at all, etc.
 

Another benefit that some may not be aware of, if you consign your stuff with them and they sell it, they send you the money and the transaction is done.  If their customer isn’t satisfied they deal with it from there.  No ‘after-sales’ follow up with picky customers (or if there is shipping damage) for you.  

Jimmy2615 this is excellent post you wrote. I agree in the early years I have dealt with with Nick nice guy and flexible and knowledgeable. Lately I have some failed deal because I feel Iam dealing with news guys. Overall Iam happy buying from them.