Used vs New pros and cons

[admin_exported]

I'm updating my amp and speakers, I decided on Naim Nait 5i (£765) and ATC SCM11 speakers (£850). Total cost £1615.

I have also been looking used equipment for sale and have come across these beauties, Naim nac 112 & nap 150 pre & power from 2002 recently serviced (£650) and ATC SCM 35 from 2005 in mint (£895). Total cost £1545.

What would you go for and why?

I'm new and this is only my second post, I have a Thorens TD 125 turntable and use only vinyl.

Any advice please

 

[the record spot]

I'm a big fan of used kit; many dealers will offer a warranty (the much aforementioned Billy Vee in London offers a 12 month warranty on used kit in a good 75% of his stock, if not more) and others will often do 3-6 months. Those that don't will probably take the gear back, have a look at it and give you good customer aftercare - Retro Reproduction in Edinburgh being one such good example.

Ebay is more of a "caveat emptor" route IMO. I got my fingers slightly singed with a turntable I bought from there - the user thought it was in excellent condition, I didn't (it wasn't!) and I learnt fast. Got my money back on that one eventually, but it was a good warning to have. Plus side, I got my current speakers (Mission 752) for £80 in November. They originally sold for £500-£600 and they're in superb nick.

New, you get the latest kit, a warranty, but after that I'm not sure what the greatest advantages are. Good quality kit is good quality kit and something that's ten years old doesn't become rubbish overnight (the olive finsih Naim gear being a good example, Mission 75 speaker range, etc, etc., going right back to old Thorens, Linn or Garrard decks of yesteryear being fine examples).

So, yes, buy with caution, but it can be hugely rewarding and very worthwhile. Incdientally, check out the Shadow Audio website; they do higher end kit, offer interest free credit too. Slight issue might be their location (Glentrothes in Central Scotland), but they're good guys to talk to.

 

[Anonymous]

Buying used kit is fine but just beware, if its design predates the change in EU legislation regarding lead in components then you may not be able to get replacement parts. My AVI preamp is an example of this problem. The other issue would be that components such as capacitors degrade over time and need replacing. A service is very likely to do this.

If it were me then I'd go new on speakers and CDP, used on amps. I did in fact.

 

[78finn]

My advice would be that if you are buying used...make sure you get a chance to view and listen before you part with your cash. Also make sure you tweek every button, dial, display etc etc etc.... Sometimes the thing that doesn't work is only discovered weeks after you have bought and paid for it. To late by then....

When it comes to Ebay....again, I would go for items that are local i.e. ones you can pick up / C.O.D. This is so important when it comes to HiFi......especially mid/hi end. Not a cheap mistake is it....

I reckon if you follow those rules...well there are loads of bargins to be had. You can easily put together a belting mid range system for the money that you would struggle to put a budget system together with. I got a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 9.2 (Cherry), brand new, boxed...but missing there grills......$45.....maddness!!!!....

 

[the record spot]

Only caveat to COD is you've zero comeback when it comes to getting a refund if the you buy a lemon; even the "try it out" at the time doesn't allow for a component going bang after two hours use. PayPal gives you a means to get your money back, COD doesn't. Of course, if you are selling, then that's different!!

 

[matthewpiano]

Speaking with a mixture of positive and negative experiences, I would say second hand CAN work very well as long as you are able to check the equipment out thoroughly first.

However, I would say that generally you are better off buying speakers and CD players brand new, as Igglebert suggests. CD players are mechanical devices and often the first thing to wear out, whilst secondhand speakers could very well have been abused at high levels.

Amplifiers are a bit different and you can get some great deals by buying 2nd hand, with the caveats mentioned above in terms of capacitors starting to leak with age.

Ultimately I do think, with you're budget, that the stakes are quite high and personally, unless you can afford to make a mistake, I would be sticking with brand new.