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Post by ChrisB on Jul 31, 2014 21:59:10 GMT
For the next installment of help for our hypothetical HiFi Virgin, let's look at addressing the pitfalls of buying used equipment.
Let's have your pearls of wisdom!
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Post by John on Aug 1, 2014 4:12:00 GMT
Make sure you can return before buying
Check to see if you can buy spares and be prepared that you might have to replace items like capacitors
Some real classics out their, do a bit of research first
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Post by MartinT on Aug 1, 2014 5:37:22 GMT
Never believe their description of its condition.
If there are no photos or they are stock ones, walk away.
Take advantage of something going cheap if it's a suspected easy fault to repair.
Ask them questions about it, the good sellers will always respond.
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Post by ChrisB on Aug 1, 2014 5:46:06 GMT
Legendary reputations are not always deserved. Don't buy based on the opinions of others - be sure to apply the same rules over sound quality that you would for new equipment. Always try to listen before you buy.
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Post by pre65 on Aug 1, 2014 5:57:04 GMT
Take advantage of something going cheap if it's a suspected easy fault to repair. 
I've been trawling Ebay for weeks looking for a good (but inexpensive) CD or DVD player to use as a transport, and I'm amazed at the number of non working ones that (according to their owner) only need minor repairs.
Yeah right.
To my mind it needs to be almost given away if it's not actually working.
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Post by MartinT on Aug 1, 2014 6:07:53 GMT
Many transports only require a replacement laser mech, but I agree it's a big risk to take and the pricing has to be very much lower than for a working model.
I was thinking more of the blown fuse scenario, common with power amps. Again, it's a risk but a blown output transistor is a lot easier to diagnose and replace than a laser mech!
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Post by pre65 on Aug 1, 2014 6:25:01 GMT
I was thinking more of the blown fuse scenario, common with power amps. Again, it's a risk but a blown output transistor is a lot easier to diagnose and replace than a laser mech! The thing with faults, is it can be a chicken and egg situation. Even if a damaged component is obvious (like an exploded capacitor) something else may have caused it. And how many hi-fi novices do you know who could diagnose and fix a blown transistor ? Even I would find that difficult, but then I'm a valve man.  It amazes me how much some Ebay sellers think their classic, but non working hi-fi is worth.  |
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Post by ChrisB on Aug 1, 2014 7:01:15 GMT
Which brings me to my next tip - Ebay is not the only game in town! There are plenty of other places with great selections of used kit. Cast your net as wide as you can.
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Post by pre65 on Aug 1, 2014 7:06:47 GMT
Which brings me to my next tip - Ebay is not the only game in town! There are plenty of other places with great selections of used kit. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2014 7:50:58 GMT
Keep away from Craigslist, has a reputation for being worse than Fleebay for a scammers paradise. I would stick to hifi forums, and only buy from a long-standing member of good repute.
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Post by MikeMusic on Aug 1, 2014 8:35:42 GMT
Craigslist is full of scammers.
I found so many 'bargains' and so often they were in Shetland Islands. - this is advertised on London region
After a couple of these I said
I'm in Shetland often and can collect, where are you
- no answer
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Post by Chris on Aug 3, 2014 9:19:15 GMT
+1 for buying off well established forum members.
Also,budget in getting anything you buy looked over by someone who knows their stuff.
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Post by Paul Barker on Aug 10, 2014 8:55:43 GMT
A road trip pays off. Collect only items are always cheap.
long before ebay spread to UK, from the adds in hifi mags I did a road trip from Scarborough to Peterborough to Brighton to visit sister to SE London to visit John Caswell to Birmingham. One or two other places along the way.
Came back with Telmag Supermalloy double C cores which little did I know would never be available again. A really great arm but can't recall the one. A Dynavector DVXX1L on the arm. Sold and delivered an EAR parallel push pull EL34 integrated amplifier. Met some great people and listened to some reasobale stuff. LEarned not to criticise a man's hifi in his own home.(if it sounds like someone put a cheap transistor radio on, keep your trap shut).
I belive that today the road trip still pays off.
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