buying used Rotel stuff?

[BlazeMaster]

Hi, I had a chance recently to buy a RB1080 off audiogon and backed out the last minute because I found out that the warranty is not transferable when buying through 2nd hand. Am I making a big deal out of buying Rotel products without the warrany? I didn't think I was, since as a frequent member to this forum, I do see problems with Rotels' equipments from time to time and I'd definitly wouldn't want to be paying for the service fees, every time something goes wrong with it. Please give me your insights on this matter. Thanks

[srb]

I think the risk is somewhat proportional to the amount of mechanicals.

I bought an RB-1080 power amp off of Audiogon, and it is absolutely perfect.

I would like to get the RCD-1072 CD Player, but they are a very mechanical component, the laser can get out of alignment, etc., that I think I'll just buy new.

The risk also depends on how honest and forthright the seller is (as well as how good a packer they are, especially if not using original double packaging.)

In the end, I would have to get a REALLY good deal to make it worth the risk. Warranties are nice.

[aaron]

My dealer sells open box units at 25% off with full manufacturer's warranty. Consider that option to stretch your dollars if your local dealer offers it.

[pdr711]

I do see problems with Rotels' equipments from time to time and I'd definitly wouldn't want to be paying for the service fees, every time something goes wrong with it. Please give me your insights on this matter. Thanks

Name a product that doesn't have problems from time to time. Some people are just more vocal about there equipment problems than others.

I have found that amps are about the safest thing to buy used. I have had great experiences with buying used amps.

Dan

[BlazeMaster]

aaron, aren't the dealer's open-box units the ones that's been bought and returned? I'd assume that means there's something wrong with it...

So through the replies that I've been getting here, is that go for it? It's going to be a local pickup, so damages through shipping won't be a factor here. The only problem is that, I want to actually hear it, to make sure it doesn't have any problems. The seller said he already sold most of his equipments, and said we can go to a dealer to test it out.

[Andrew Pratt]

Most often open box items are good bets as you still get warrenty and there's typically nothing wrong with them. Refurb's are also normally pretty safe as once again you get warrenty and you know they've been looked over before being sent back.

As for Warrenty Rotel states that the warrenty isn't transferable...but if you ask nicely they tend to go the extra mile for customers so it might not be as cut and dry as it seems.

[loup]

something customer return a unit for exchange or change in what they need. Open unit usually gets discounted and why not buy it for less and have same warranty covers.

[ds22030]

Yup, people do change minds....I returned my perfect 1075 to exchange it for 1080 due to my demanding speakers....

[aaron]

My dealer's open box units are from his take it home and audition it policy or from his 7 day full refund no ?'s asked policy. I bought my 1068 this way and it was absolutely perfect, only out of the store for a few days. Someone bought it and traded up to a Cary Audio Cinema 6 unit; at least that's what he told me. I actually held out for one as I had to balk a bit at another major purchase per the wife. I asked him to call me when he had one and that's exactly what he did.

[BlazeMaster]

cool guys, I did see some nice stuff in their open-box sections also when I was there picking up the 603s today. I'll ask them to keep an eye for a 1075 or 1070 when the funds are availiable again.