I was browsing on Audiogon today and ran accross this deal. 500 BUCKS for quality separates HOLY CRAP!!! *faints* Just thought you guys might like to see this.
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampstran&1075840693
The Parasound HCA-1000A amp and PHP-850 pre-amp retail for a combined price of $900, and they are asking $500. This sounds like a great deal...but is it?
I don't see many of the normal discount on-line companies selling this product, so it is hard to say the normal discounting that should take place (I was looking at a Yamaha RX-V1400 ..it was offerred new at $556 (without warranty)...it listed for $800). This package is used however, and might not be working properly now.
Is there a transferable warranty on items like this... even if they were originally bought from an authorized dealer?
Is there any way to protect yourself from someone selling an improperly working piece of equiment.
Is it safe buying items from an online site like AudiogoN?
(I guess you could use American Express, and if not happy let them know..I don't think credit cards settle transactions before ~30 days)
I want an amp or receiver to power two Axiom M60 or 80 speakers.
I don't have any home theater set up at this time.
I would like to buy it if it was a good deal, but I have never purchased anything from this type of site before, and my level of comfort isn't too great.
Can anyone provide feedback on the quality of this combination for my purposes, and how you would proceed in purchasing it
All I know is that Parasound has an excellent reputation. As far as audiogon goes, I've bought and sold through the site quite a few times, and it's a great place to shop/sell. (I actually have some items for sale there right now.)
I've (like Spiff) have made purchases from Audiogon.
My Axiom EP125 and NAD C541i to be exact. Both are in PERFECT condition and I've loved every minute of having them. The NAD was 2 months old and the EP125 was sold by Canadian HiFi. I'll admit that Audiogon isn't as organized as ebay or ubid etc. but as long as you use some good judgement you can get some AWESOME deals. Also, many items are from small audio shops. My NAD was $280 (including FREE overnight shipping) from a small personal vendor. He even e-mailed me to make sure that I was enjoying the CDP. Basically, watch for these kind of deals.
Good luck
Regarding the Parasound amp and preamp...I've been trying to find some reviews online, but it is slow going...
do you know of any links?
I'm getting a pair of M60s or M80s for now....no home theater use. What's your view on the Parasound foe this use?
www.audioreview.com would be the best place to check.
I bought my HSU VTF-3 at audiogon and I'm delighted with the whole experience. But like SpockTheater says "use some good Judgement" when buying from any auction site.
I ditto that statement. Common sense and good judgement should always apply. Getting phone numbers and making the personal calls really helps since email and online chatting can be so impersonal.
I've had some good dealings on several thousand dollar equipment through Audiogon and so far all purchases have been excellent experiences.
I've had far more negative occurrences through ebay.
My personal experiences buy from Audiogon are:
I preferred to buy local if possible, so you can audition the product and save on shipping.
If local pick up is not possible, pay by Paypal with funds drawn from Credit Card so you can dispute the transaction with your CC company with 30 days if anything does go wrong.
Get the person phone number so you can contact he or she to get a feel of the person you're dealing with. (This is very simple but often overlooked)
Good luck!
I'm currently running a HCA 1000A and Onkyo 797 to power my M80's. It sounds great. Just made some DIY CAT 5 speaker cables and biwired them...AWESOME.
Tell us honestly, did the biwiring help at all? (And have you done a blind test to verify your answer?
)