Does anyone have any opinions on the Audiogon website? I have purchased some lower priced items there, but I am now looking at a receiver that costs $1,000 used (4 mos. old, MSRP $2,000). Am I crazy to even consider sending a $1000 check to some guy I don't know in the hopes that he actually sends me the product, and the product is what was represented? This particular seller has some positive feedback as a seller, but I am guessing that would not be that hard to fake if one was determined to be a crook. If the seller is not the original owner, and the product is only four months old, should I just assume it is stolen and of questionable quality?

I would appreciate knowing your experiences and comments for using Audiogon. Thanks.

Bob, i have used Audiogon rather frequently in the past two years and i've had nothing but very positive experiences.
I find that Audiogon, unlike eBay, has not been flooded by crooks pandering junk for every little cent. Most of the items on Audiogon tend to be...ummm, pricier and more boutique in nature.
Anyone who can afford to own such items usually tend to keep good care of them.

With that being said, one always needs to be cautious in any dealings online. If in doubt, call the person. Get contact information. If the person is an honest seller, they will have no problems giving you such details so you can verify they are real and unlikely to bolt after receiving cash.
Most do take Paypal payments so at least things can be tracked.
Some take credit card payments via Paypal which is of course the best method to go, if it is available.

There are many small used dealers that use Audiogon and ultimately feedback is still the best way to determine the better from worse sellers.

On the extreme upside, you can ALWAYS find most electronics at used prices between 20-80% of their original values. I bought my Anthem TLP1 preamp at 50% off retail prices (sold only at mom and pop markup shops) and the item was only 4 months old.
Virtually all of my 'boutique' electronics have come from Audiogon although i have also bought some simple dvd players there for under $200.

I bought integrate amp and cd player from there few months back. Both equipments are work and look as mention in the site.

I agree with chesseroo that audiogon is not like ebay at all. And best of all the audiogon is specifically for group like us who love audio and video systems.

I sold my SVS subwoofer on audiogon to a fantastic buyer. I've only heard good things from both buying and selling perspectives.

I bought my cdp off audiogon. You cant really put a stereotype on the site itself. Of course there have been people who have bad dealings with other members but it really just depends on the other person your dealing with more than anything.