New or used amplifier?

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lupavalo
lupavalo Posts: 17
in Electronics
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.
Polk RTI-12
Polk PSW-125
Polk RTI-3
Polk RTI-A1
AVR Marantz SR7005
Turntable Denon DP-300F
Power Console Belkin PureAV
Denon DVP-1610 Blue-ray/DVD/CD
Mediabridge ULTRA Series Speaker Cable
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  • voltz
    voltz Posts: 5,384
    edited August 2014
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    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 :)
    2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge

    HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD
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  • codyc1ark
    codyc1ark Posts: 2,530
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    I've got a used adcom that I've had for years, no issues yet.
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,528
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    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.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,060
    edited August 2014
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    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.
    Home Theater
    Parasound Halo A 31 OnkyoTX-NR838 Sony XBR55X850B 55" 4K RtiA9 Fronts CsiA6 Center RtiA3 Rears FxiA6 Side Surrounds Dual Psw 111's Oppo 105D Signal Ultra Speaker Cables & IC's Signal Magic Power Cable Technics SL Q300 Panamax MR4300 Audioquest Chocolate HDMI Cables Audioquest Forest USB Cable

    2 Channel
    Adcom 555II Vincent SA-T1 Marantz SA 15S2 Denon DR-M11 Clearaudio Bluemotion SDA 2.3tl's (Z) edition MIT Terminator II Speaker Cables & IC's Adcom 545II Adcom Gtp-450 Marantz CD5004 Technics M245X SDA 2B's, SDA CRS+

    Stuff for the Head
    JD LABS C5 Headphone Amplifier, Sennheiser HD 598, Polk Audio Buckle, Polk Audio Hinge, Velodyne vPulse, Bose IE2, Sennheiser CX 200 Street II, Sennheiser MX 365

    Shower & Off the beaten path Rigs
    Polk Audio Boom Swimmer, Polk Audio Urchin B)
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  • zane77
    zane77 Posts: 1,696
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    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.
    Home Theater
    Onkyo PR-SC5508 Sharp LC-70LE847U
    Emotiva XPA-5 Emotiva XPA-2 Emotiva UPA-2
    Front RTi-A9 Wide RTi-A7 Center CSi-A6 Surround FXi-A6 Rear RTi-A3 Sub 2x PSW505
    Sony BDP-S790 Dishnetwork Hopper/Joey Logitech Harmony One Apple TV
    Two Channel
    Oppo 105D BAT VK-500 w/BatPack SDA SRS 2.3 Dreadnought Squeezebox Touch Apple TV
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  • lupavalo
    lupavalo Posts: 17
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    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??
    Polk RTI-12
    Polk PSW-125
    Polk RTI-3
    Polk RTI-A1
    AVR Marantz SR7005
    Turntable Denon DP-300F
    Power Console Belkin PureAV
    Denon DVP-1610 Blue-ray/DVD/CD
    Mediabridge ULTRA Series Speaker Cable
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  • zane77
    zane77 Posts: 1,696
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    I payed less than 2k for the VK-500, so I think that is high.
    Home Theater
    Onkyo PR-SC5508 Sharp LC-70LE847U
    Emotiva XPA-5 Emotiva XPA-2 Emotiva UPA-2
    Front RTi-A9 Wide RTi-A7 Center CSi-A6 Surround FXi-A6 Rear RTi-A3 Sub 2x PSW505
    Sony BDP-S790 Dishnetwork Hopper/Joey Logitech Harmony One Apple TV
    Two Channel
    Oppo 105D BAT VK-500 w/BatPack SDA SRS 2.3 Dreadnought Squeezebox Touch Apple TV
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  • boston1450
    boston1450 Posts: 7,453
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    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
    ..
    ..
    ..
    Randy/Maine
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited August 2014
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    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
    Post edited by WLDock on
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited August 2014
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    Bought my Parasound HCA1500a off the bay with no issues in 2 years.
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,185
    edited August 2014
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    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.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • Msabot1
    Msabot1 Posts: 2,098
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    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..
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  • lupavalo
    lupavalo Posts: 17
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    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!!!
    Polk RTI-12
    Polk PSW-125
    Polk RTI-3
    Polk RTI-A1
    AVR Marantz SR7005
    Turntable Denon DP-300F
    Power Console Belkin PureAV
    Denon DVP-1610 Blue-ray/DVD/CD
    Mediabridge ULTRA Series Speaker Cable
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  • xjghost
    xjghost Posts: 1,083
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    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.
    HT/2Channel: Emotiva MMC-1, Adcom GFA-555II, Polk SDA 3.1's, Teac TN-300 TT, Polk Center and Sub.

    Bedroom system: Carver CT-24, Parasound HCA-800II, Monitor 10's

    Additional projects: RTA 12c's
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  • MrBuhl
    MrBuhl Posts: 2,419
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    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.
    VA HT HK AVR20II, Sony S9000ES CD/DVD/SACD, Polk Audio RC80i / Polk Audio CSi3, 60" Panasonic Plasma, Nordost / Signal Cable A2 / Wireworld / Pangea / Magic Power
    VA 2 Channel Focal Electra 926 speakers, Pass Labs X150.5 Amp, Eastern Electric MiniMax Preamp (Tutay mods), Eastern Electric Minimax CDP (Scott Nixon mods), Music Hall mmf 5.1 Turntable, Parks Audio Budgie Phono Pre , Audioengine B1 streamer, MIT S3 IC's / MIT Shotgun S3 Speaker Cables / PS Audio power cables
    Noggin Schiit Valhalla, Pangea, Phillips Fidelio X1, Polk UF8000

    Polk SDA1c modded
    Polk CRS+ 4.1TL modded (need veneer)
    Polk SDA2BTL (fully modded)
    A/L 1000VA Dreadnought Canare 4s11 SDA cable
    SACD Marantz DV8300
    Sony S9000ES CD/DVD/SACD
    Yamaha YP-D6
    Soundcraftsmen PCR800
    Audible Illusions L1 Preamp
    Vincent MFA based Cocci Tube Preamp
    Pho-700 Phono Pre
    Signal Cable Silver Resolution IC's






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  • Coltsfan#1
    Coltsfan#1 Posts: 17
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    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.
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  • lupavalo
    lupavalo Posts: 17
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    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)??
    Polk RTI-12
    Polk PSW-125
    Polk RTI-3
    Polk RTI-A1
    AVR Marantz SR7005
    Turntable Denon DP-300F
    Power Console Belkin PureAV
    Denon DVP-1610 Blue-ray/DVD/CD
    Mediabridge ULTRA Series Speaker Cable
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
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    [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.

    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
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  • mufsoman
    mufsoman Posts: 631
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    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......
    Parasound HCA-2003A & 2205A
    Front: Rti12's
    Center: Csi A6
    Side surrounds: Polk Rti A1's
    Atmos: Mirage Nanosats
    APC H15
    Power cords by Pepster, Morrow MA4 IC's, AQ Midnight, AQ Chocolate HDMI's[/SIZE]
    The rest is TBD.
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  • Irrenhaus
    Irrenhaus Posts: 1,082
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    I got my Adcom 585 used from Craiglist. No problems so far. Granted the amp had been recap by the seller.

    Cheers
    HTAVR-Pioneer SC99XPA-DR3 Differential Reference AmpPolk R-700Rear- RT150Side- RT150Center-CSi5Sub-Rythmik audio F25Player- Panasonic DP-UB9000Projector- Optoma CinemaX P2Screen- Silver Ticket Products STR Series 6 120"Audio Room 2ch rig.Cary AE-3, Onkyo M-504, Marantz SA8005, Azur 851NWharfedale - Linton, SVS SB12-NSDMinis Forum PC (streamer) and Panamax MX5105Headphone rig;Schiit JOTUNHEIM and different headphones.Samsung 42" flat screen TV.
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  • jeremymarcinko
    jeremymarcinko Posts: 3,785
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    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.
    Oh, Listen here mister. We got no way of understandin' this world. But we got as much sense of this bird flyin in the sky. Now there is a lot that bird don't know, but it don't change the fact that the world is happening to him all the same. What I am tryin to say is, is that the course of your life, well its changing, and you don't even see it- Forest Bondurant
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
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    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
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,906
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    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.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • lupavalo
    lupavalo Posts: 17
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    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.
    Polk RTI-12
    Polk PSW-125
    Polk RTI-3
    Polk RTI-A1
    AVR Marantz SR7005
    Turntable Denon DP-300F
    Power Console Belkin PureAV
    Denon DVP-1610 Blue-ray/DVD/CD
    Mediabridge ULTRA Series Speaker Cable
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  • quicksilvergts
    quicksilvergts Posts: 274
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    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!
    Polk Lsi9
    Polk LsiC
    Polk Fxi3
    Pioneer SC-1222
    Parasound 1200 II w/ Kimber Kable HERO + 4TC
    SVS PB12-NSD (Bash)
    PS4
    Sharp Aquos 55"


    "If your BOLD enough to try it,
    your BOLD enough to make it happen"
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