I've seen alot of references to refurbs. Have you guys had luck with these items? I'm specifically looking at a Denon 3805 from Dakmart, refurbed by Denon, with warranty. I've always been into buying new but, in looking at how much all of this Home Theater stuff is going to cost, I'm thinking I might want to save some bucks where I can. Also, what's the typical history of refurbed units? Are they returns or just production fallout that had to be reworked? The 3805 I'm looking is called B-Stock, which makes me think it's just got some defects/blemishes, like Aziom outlet items. But then it says it's been refurbed, which makes me think it's a return. It's probably just my limited exposure to these terms. Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

Pete

I have only one experience with a refurbed unit (6 disk Onkyo DVD/CD player from ecost) and it has performed flawlessly, with no visible defects. There is PROBABLY no more risk in buying a refurb than a new unit (maybe less), because whatever the problem was with it, it has been addressed and checked out.

B-stock is a different issue, I believe. To me "B-Stock" implies it may have some cosmetic defects, either because it was returned, or got banged a little in shipment or storage. However, it should be guaranteed to operate as though it were new.

Were it I, and I needed to save the money, I'd take the chance. The Denon 3805 is tempting, isn't it? Nice unit.

Some here have dealt with Dakmart (I haven't). Hopefully they'll comment on their experiences.

radspec-

i bought a refurb/b-stock receiver from macmall.com. i got the onkyo 701 for $439, which retails for $799. it still came with the 1-year factory warranty, and has performed flawlessly.

in fact, other than any visible defect(scratch,dent) i would say that buying a refurb/b-stock is a better machine that comes straight off the assembly line.. heres why.. all the refurb/bstock have been thoroughly gone over by a tech to ensure they are wkng properly. that 'hands on' mentality makes me think they are even better than units off the line.

and i inspected my refurb unit from top to bottom, and i could not find one scratch or dent on it.. i couldnt be happier with my refurb purchase, and you should have no reservations about doing it yourself.

bigjohn

I had previously purchased a refurb 3803 from Dakmart and had no problems with them or the receiver. One thing I would recommend though is to call them direct to make sure they have them in stock. They don't often update their website so even though the 3805 may be listed they may not have any available at the moment.

fyi...

Ecost.com, and MacMall.com are the same company - and they're generally a bit cheaper than Dakmart. (All three are authorized Denon refurb sellers)

One thing about refurb electronics - someone pours over them and troubleshoots them - they get a thorough going over, moreso than even a new piece coming off an assembly line. A receiver is a perfect refurb item - no moving parts like DVD transports or VCR heads, nothing with a measurable lifespan like a TV tube.

Bren R.

Pete, I think you'll find alot of godd experienes here and on AVS Forum with the Denon refurbs. (I love my Denon DVM-4800 for $319!). As Bren points out, these things get a second going over and the problems that mainfest themselves The reason they are being refurbed) are tackled & fixed. I like the idea of second time around - make it better.

Thanks for all of the feedback, guys. Those were the responses I was hoping for. Looks like I finally get to order my system.

Pete

not to throw cold water on your warm and fuzzies, but my dvd2200 from ecost is defective (purple color in progressive mode - kind of an important issue!). it makes me wonder how thoroughly these things are looked at prior to reselling them.

dave

I ended up looking into the ratings of Dakmart and got cold feet - they're ratings suck. I ended up going to Ultimate Electronics and getting one for $50 more than the Dakmart refurb. Not a bad deal, I think.

Pete

dave-

sorry you got a bad one. alot of us have good experiences with refurb stuff, and would continue to buy refurb equip. i dont necessarily think were all "warm and fuzzy" here, just trying to give options for good deals at reduced price.

i hope your problem was fixed, and you are now happy with your final decision.

bigjohn

Radspecv - I think you might have missed an important point... Dakmart, and the others mentioned before are authorized resellers of Denon products. Dakmart is unique as they provide a full 1 years warranty on refurbs (units are fixed by denon like normal - Denon just bills Dak instead of you.) Could be wrong, but Ultimate Electronics isnt authorized right? That means you get NO warranty whatsoever. My 2 cents - jb

Actually, UE is an anthorized retailer so I get a full Denon warranty, 2 years I think. Of course, they tried to sell me the extended warranty for a mere $110. That whole authorized retailer requirement came out of issues with online shops moreso than B&M shops. Someone may have better history on this. I'm just guessing. I read something about places messing with serial numbers. I think Denon just wanted more control and a way to limit they're liability if somebody buys a unit that hasn't gone through the proper channels. They're authorized refurb dealers get product that's been refurbed by Denon, not some other joe schmoe shop.

Pete

bigjohn,
i agree. it seems like there are only a few cases of bad units from ecost. i honestly would buy from them again without hesitation. i have a question about this as i have never gone down this path. if i send it in to denon (no local shop) and they can't fix it, what happens then? do they replace it with another 2200 or a new unit? jsut curious.

dave

dave-

to be honest man, i really dont know the answer to that. i have never had a problem with any of my refurb purchases, so i dont know the process to get one fixed. if you have already spoke with denon, and they are gonna try and fix it, i asume that they are taking responsibilty for the unit not working, and they are not leaving it up to you and the online store you bought it from. i would think if denon is taking responsibility to fix it, then they would take responsibility to replace it if it cant be fixed.. i really aint sure, i am just guessing.. i would contact denon directly and find out what options you have, and what they will do for you.

good luck with it, and keep us informed on your process.

bigjohn

Dave, if it's under warranty (an it is in your case) they will fix, replace or refund. You are in a good place here.