New or used amplifier?

lupavalo

Does anybody has experience buying a used amp?
Is it worth economized 35% of value or is better to buy new ?.
The point is you do not know how sensitive are internally or as susceptible to failures are

If someone has bought a used one I would be interested to know your experience.

Greetings.

voltz

I have bought a used Adcom 5503 used, but it was from a another Polkie name Glendog who is total awesome and the best dang package maker out there he went to great lengths to cut foam and to pack it so it's near 70lbs made it safely.
Used can be a great way to save money, especially those dang Parasound amps, but anything old can come with some risk. old amp + old caps as everything fails sometime. the question of new or old is something we all scratch our heads thinking about! but I would recommend a 2 channel amp at least to power your RTI-12' and then your AVR can power the other 3 speakers

codyc1ark

I've got a used adcom that I've had for years, no issues yet.

EndersShadow

Ive ONLY bought used amps. Parasound HCA-750a, Carver AV-705x, Carver M1.0t, Parasound HCA-1200ii.... its all about making sure the brand is a good one, but mainly if you buy used you get a better deal.

New however gives you a warranty if thats important to you.

Also who your buying from matters. Reputable people v CL can be a big difference between quality and cost.

As long as the amp isnt super old and beat up (meaning repair likely in its future) you should be good.

Unlike video formats, amps dont need upgrading every 3 years in order to get the next best....

I'd suggest brands like Carver, Parasound, Adcom, Rotel, B&K, ATI.

gudnoyez

There's a nice Adcom in the for sale section I'm guessing if you no longer need 100 posts to view for sale Items you must not need 100 posts to buy stuff. I could be wrong though. I have bought three used Amps and a couple of used receivers no major problems whatsoever. I guess it's like buying a used car you either end up with a reliable one or you don't.

zane77

I bought my BAT VK-500 used off of Audiogon, and have had it for over a year with no issues. Warranty can be an issue though.

lupavalo

zane77 wrote: »

I bought my BAT VK-500 used off of Audiogon, and have had it for over a year with no issues. Warranty can be an issue though.

Someone is offering me a BAT-VK250 but asking $3000.

Do you think is overprice or it's a good price??

zane77

I payed less than 2k for the VK-500, so I think that is high.

boston1450

I bought a 3 Adcom & pre's & others local & my Denon came from Ebay. No problems whatsoever. If you do buy used-make sure you try all functions so that way your 100% sure everything works properly. Never just meet someone because ive heard horror stories. I have bought alot of amps & receivers without a problem. Knock on wood. Good luck on your search

WLDock

lupavalo wrote: »

Someone is offering me a BAT-VK250 but asking $3000.

The high end is one of those..."If it's worth it to you" type things. However, I have been following BAT prices for a very short time and $2000-$3000 seems normal. Some say the 250 is better than the 500 in some ways.

VK-500 w/ Bat Pak - $2395
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-bat-vk-500-bat-pak-2014-08-13-amplifiers-68107-omaha-ne
http://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Amplifier-SS/BAT/VK-500-with-Batpak/just-serviced-5-14-at-BAT/113664

VK-220 w/Bat Pack + free Mogami XLR's - $1300
http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649142761-balance-audio-technology-bat-vk220-wbat-pack-free-mogami-xlrs/

VK-250 w/ Bat Pak - New $3495
http://www.upscaleaudio.com/balanced-audio-vk-250-w-bat-pak-one-of-uncle-kevvys-true-loves-maybe-he-should-marry-it/

VK-250 SE w/ Bat Pak - $2800
http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/ele/4629896908.html

---

VK-250 SE w/ Bat Pak - Listed in June for $2500
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/209-audio-gear/1571818-vk-250-se-balanced-audio-technology-b-t-amp-bat-pack.html

VK-250 SE w/Bat Pak - Sold in Apr for $2000
http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649073910-balanced_audio_technology_bat_vk250_bat_pak_amplifier/

Also, there were some others from 2013 that sold for $1999-$2500

chumlie

Bought my Parasound HCA1500a off the bay with no issues in 2 years.

billbillw

I buy almost exclusively used. As long as it is a good brand with a solid reputation, you should expect at least 15 years of trouble free operation out of a solid state amplifier. Usually after 20 years, you may need to refresh some of the smaller capacitors (especially if it runs hot and kept in a cabinet), it might need some adjustment, and possibly the relays could need cleaning or replacement.

Msabot1

A year ago..I got hold of a M 504 Onkyo power amp for a very good price...it was out of the box condition though...used very little...nice powerful SS equipment...no issues..

lupavalo

WLDock wrote: »

lupavalo wrote: »

Someone is offering me a BAT-VK250 but asking $3000.

The high end is one of those..."If it's worth it to you" type things. However, I have been following BAT prices for a very short time and $2000-$3000 seems normal. Some say the 250 is better than the 500 in some ways.

VK-500 w/ Bat Pak - $2395
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-bat-vk-500-bat-pak-2014-08-13-amplifiers-68107-omaha-ne
http://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Amplifier-SS/BAT/VK-500-with-Batpak/just-serviced-5-14-at-BAT/113664

VK-220 w/Bat Pack + free Mogami XLR's - $1300
http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649142761-balance-audio-technology-bat-vk220-wbat-pack-free-mogami-xlrs/

VK-250 w/ Bat Pak - New $3495
http://www.upscaleaudio.com/balanced-audio-vk-250-w-bat-pak-one-of-uncle-kevvys-true-loves-maybe-he-should-marry-it/

VK-250 SE w/ Bat Pak - $2800
http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/ele/4629896908.html

---

VK-250 SE w/ Bat Pak - Listed in June for $2500
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/209-audio-gear/1571818-vk-250-se-balanced-audio-technology-b-t-amp-bat-pack.html

VK-250 SE w/Bat Pak - Sold in Apr for $2000
http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649073910-balanced_audio_technology_bat_vk250_bat_pak_amplifier/

Also, there were some others from 2013 that sold for $1999-$2500

Very usuful information, thanks!!!

xjghost

I just bought a Parasound HCA 800II off eBay and am pleased with it. I watch auctions and prices and try and get the best deal I can.

MrBuhl

Only ever bought one brand new amp/receiver - and have bought five used. So far, only one has had any issue at all in the time I've owned them, and most are pushing 25 years of age or more. Stick with good brands is great advice.

Coltsfan#1

Bought my Parasound 5250 used off of eBay two years ago. Paid less than half of retail price, and I haven't had a hint of a problem with it. Buying used is a great way to get higher-quality gear at a discount, IMO.

lupavalo

Coltsfan#1 wrote: »

Bought my Parasound 5250 used off of eBay two years ago. Paid less than half of retail price, and I haven't had a hint of a problem with it. Buying used is a great way to get higher-quality gear at a discount, IMO.

In fact Im watching a Parasound HCA-1206 $500 on Ebay, but the seller mention a little hmmm sound over the speakers when there is "dead air" and no music playing.

Im hesitating buy this one or going to a new emotiva ($900)??

WLDock

[quote="lupavalo;2079196Very usuful information, thanks!!![/quote]Yes sir, only the PS3 and sub were bought new in my sig. Everything else I bought for great deals....no way could I have bought all items new. When I put together a 2 ch system I want a nice SS amp. Will be looking for a used Halo, BAT, McCormack, etc. at that time.

mufsoman

I have purchased all my amps used, just have to be comfortable with seller through meeting or talking.


Btw - still have my Rotel 1095 for sale......

Irrenhaus

I got my Adcom 585 used from Craiglist. No problems so far. Granted the amp had been recap by the seller.

Cheers

jeremymarcinko

Used amps are a pretty safe bet. I also have purchased my amps used with no major issues. My next one will likely be new, however. Only because at its price point, I want the piece of mind of a warranty.

Sherardp

Check out this one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Outlaw-Audio-770-200-Watt-X-7-Chanel-Power-Amplifier-/291232188539?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item43ceca887b

tonyb

He's pushing RTI 12's ? The Bat suggestions may be a tad out of the speakers league then. Stick with the Parasound or B&k suggestions for a cost effective but good sound alternative. They mate well with RTI's, won't break the bank, and leave you room to experiment with better cables.

lupavalo

Thank you all for your advice, I finally found reasonable the decision to buy a used one, you must take into consideration that I do not live in the United States (I live in Costa Rica) so that the guarantee had I been very unhelpful doe mw.

I bought an GFA Adcom 555 thru EBAY.

As soon as I received I will let you know the results, the good thing is that I spend less than half that if I had bought a new one.

quicksilvergts

Awesome. The problem with you would probably the sheer weight of shipping.
I bought my first amp used(parasound 1200II)
Best piece of gear ever purchased.
Wife, kid, mortgage, 2 car payments etc.
Sheesh I am not buying new lol.

Cheers!