Where to buy next receiver?

[Toml1946]

Just curious what people think and not trying to start anything.

If I can buy the same receiver at the same price from Crutchfield, Amazon, Best Buy, or the manufacturer's web site--is there any compelling reason to choose one or the other? A few days wait isn't a big deal, spending or saving a couple bills on shipping won't matter after things are set up and running, lifetime support seems superfluous in this internet world (& Audioholics is a fine support source), warranty period should be the same.

(I am aware of Accessories4less, but not inclined to refurb units.)

 

[tyhjaarpa]

Just look for the price as the unit will be the same. Quite many here have bought refurbished receivers with great success and they also come with manufacturers warranty. You can also buy extended warranty if you like. Good way to save money imo.

 

[speakerman39]

Just curious what people think and not trying to start anything.

If I can buy the same receiver at the same price from Crutchfield, Amazon, Best Buy, or the manufacturer's web site--is there any compelling reason to choose one or the other? A few days wait isn't a big deal, spending or saving a couple bills on shipping won't matter after things are set up and running, lifetime support seems superfluous in this internet world (& Audioholics is a fine support source), warranty period should be the same.

(I am aware of Accessories4less, but not inclined to refurb units.)

Tom I have purchased at least 4-5 AVR's from Acc4less all w/o a hitch. Can not recommend them enough. In fact, if I were to order another AVR is would come from them. I am always looking to save some money. YOU can always purchase an extended warranty from Acc4less if that helps. Have done that myself.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Pogre]

Tom I have purchased at least 4-5 AVR's from Acc4less all w/o a hitch. Can not recommend them enough. In fact, if I were to order another AVR is would come from them. I am always looking to save some money. always purchase an extended warranty from Acc4less if that helps. Have done that myself.

Cheers,

Phil

absolutely. I've had nothing but good experiences from A4L. three receivers I've bought from them.

 

[rojo]

Another vote for a4l here. My refurb Marantz AVR was indistinguishable from new and has been trucking along for about 3 years now.

Among your choices I'd choose either Cruthfield or Amazon for their exceptional customer service in case you should ever need it. Between the two I'd go with Crutchfield to save on sales tax unless you live in Virginia, or Amazon if both are the same price after tax.

 

[KEW]

I agree with what is above, but wanted to add that Amazon has returns through Jan 30 for anything bought after Nov. 1.
Crutchfield may have the same policy!
A4L probably doesn't but they have always been a good source for me (however, on one occassion I found an open box return with full warranty from Amazon for slightly less than the refurb at A4L).

 

[shadyJ]

Everything else being equal, I would purchase from the manufacturer's website. That might make warranty matters more straightforward should you ever need to take advantage of the warranty coverage.

 

[KenM10759]

I wouldn't buy direct unless there was some proven examples of how the manufacturer's warranty is honored any differently. In fact, buying through an authorized dealer often adds an additional layer of warranty or at least far better return policies because manufacturers do NOT want product coming back to them directly as most have no repair facilities and just have to reship elsewhere.

Also, I've never seen that any manufacturer would offer a better price than their own dealers, as they would soon have no dealers selling their product.

 

[lovinthehd]

I wouldn't buy direct unless there was some proven examples of how the manufacturer's warranty is honored any differently. In fact, buying through an authorized dealer often adds an additional layer of warranty or at least far better return policies because manufacturers do NOT want product coming back to them directly as most have no repair facilities and just have to reship elsewhere.

Also, I've never seen that any manufacturer would offer a better price than their own dealers, as they would soon have no dealers selling their product.

Manufacturers in issuing warranty instructions for shipping usually have you direct it to a designated repair facility (likely contracted out these days). Mostly you must have an authorization (RA, RMA etc) to ship in any case, you wouldn't just send it to the manufacturer's address in your manual and instruct them to fix it....

I've not seen the brands' own US sales websites offering the greatest deals, even on the refurbs some of them do sell (so watch the description on such a website).

I've had bad refurbs so there's also whoever is contracted out to do such may or may not do a thorough job (and unlikely they're actual manufacturer refurbs in any case; like they would ship it back from the US, or any other country they were sold in, back to the plant for such). Sometimes the savings are worth a try, tho! Another vote for A4L if going refurb, pretty good selection as well as some new closeouts to choose from....

ps Ken not directed at you, you probably know this stuff, just the way yours was worded I wanted to point some things out....

 

[Diesel57]

Just curious what people think and not trying to start anything.

If I can buy the same receiver at the same price from Crutchfield, Amazon, Best Buy, or the manufacturer's web site--is there any compelling reason to choose one or the other? A few days wait isn't a big deal, spending or saving a couple bills on shipping won't matter after things are set up and running, lifetime support seems superfluous in this internet world (& Audioholics is a fine support source), warranty period should be the same.

(I am aware of Accessories4less, but not inclined to refurb units.)

The responses that you're getting here is extremely a small % of us that have & had great success with A4L and another reason that we will continue is because of there customer service.

PS. I to have purchased 3 units as well over the years and in the process of purchasing another unit...Cheers

 

[KenM10759]

I'm OK with refurbs from Acc4Less though now that I have found a local dealer of NAD, Anthem, Parasound, Rotel, Emotiva, the better Sony's and Yamaha's, even higher-end stuff like Linn, Classe, and Plinius, and will buy from them. The reason is because if I ever have a problem I just disconnect from my system, bring it to them and come home with a loaner while mine gets sent back for factory service. They have earned my business in this manner, and I do not feel I'm paying for anything I'm not getting. In fact, I get far more!

 

[vsound5150]

If buying new verify the box is factory sealed when received. Crutchfield shipped me used SVS subs it was obvious the box was retaped (almost couldn't tell) and subs previously handled/dirty from a showroom, customer return, etc. and the factory packing didn't look right with wrinkled foam. I screamed at them more so for wasting my time I received a measly $25 store credit and new equipment rushed shipped.

It's ok to sell used stuff but let it be known don't try and pull a fast one. But I have to say Crutchfield responded very well including upper exec management with a sincere apology and no excuses.

Last week I received a Marantz receiver from IQ Home Equipment (via Amazon) spanking new.

 

[slipperybidness]

If all things are equal, then I would choose Amazon, simply for the Prime Shipping, Hassle Free Returns, and my Amazon Credit Card Gives me 3% back for all Amazon purchases.

But, all things aren't equal.

 

[herbu]

If I can buy the same receiver at the same price...

A couple more things to consider.

1) The mfg will likely have the newest units in stock. That means the latest ECs and any process or material improvements that have been identified.

2) One of the resellers may have a warranty replacement policy. If your system breaks, you return it and they send you a new one. That means they eat any delays or issues w/ the repairs, and you don't have to fool with them.

All in all, choosing between reputable sellers is a gamble. You may have 99.9% probability of satisfaction with any of them, so fortunately the odds are in your favor whichever way you go.

 

[vsound5150]

True, and saving a penny can bite you. High end equipment manufacturers don't honor the warranty if it's not an Authorized Reseller.

Martin Logan did good for me replacing a screen cover on a center speaker out of warranty and purchased from a non-authorized reseller digicraze.com who no longer exists today. That's another thing these guys disappear.

I don't think Martin Logan or other would approve it for other equipment. They also didn't charge shipping even I offered it and the screen was cheap I thought it was a smart move on their part to keep me happy and coming back for more.

 

[jmalecki05]

Favorites is no particular order:

Retail:
- B&H Photo
- Best Buy / Magnolia
- Music Direct
- Amazon (last resort) - if you don't mind not buying direct

Other Considerations:
- Yard Sale / Estate Sale (Found a great Denon EQ)
- Antique / Consignment (Found a killer Amp for a friend)
- Local record stores