Remanufactured or Refurbished Receivers

[Droff]

How do you guys feel about these types of components? I've seen them mentioned many times on these boards, but have been wondering if I should really consider them or try to steer clear of them.
Any input is welcome. Thanks.

 

[markw]

If they are factory refurbished and offered with a factory guarantee from a factory authorized seller, they can be quite a bargain.

You may notice one word used three times. There's a reason for that.

 

[Omega Supreme]

I bouught my Denon 3805 referbished from ubid about 2 years ago. So far I have had no problems. The only thing I noticed was on the lower left corner there is a small dent. I saved about $400 off a brand new one. Just make sure that it is referbished by an authorized dealer. I went to Denons web site and they had a list of authorized dealers.

 

[Tom Andry]

Just go to the manufacturer's website and make sure they are authorized. Plenty of places CLAIM to be but aren't. If they are authorized, you should be fairly well protected (meaning you'll get what you order, you'll have tech support from the manufacturer, etc.). New is the most expensive, used can be the least but there are no protections. Refurb is a happy medium IMO.

 

[tonay]

I've been very happy w/ my factory refurb HK reciever for almost a year now. Check ebay for factory direct sites and avoid the "grey" market.

 

[u2generator]

I bought a refurbished Pioneer unit several years ago and never had ANY problems. I figure they are better than new. They have been "gone through" twice.

JMO,

TW

 

[MDS]

I've never bought refurbished but am very tempted given how quickly receivers depreciate (even though they are useful far after they are worthless on a price basis). You can save quite a bit of money going that route.

You never know the reason something is refurbished though:

1. Sometimes they are units that were returned and thus cannot be sold as new.
2. Sometimes they are units with very minimal cosmetic damage.
3. Sometimes they are overstock from a prior model year when the new models come out.
4. Sometimes they were defective and 'repaired'.

If you get lucky and it is one of the first three, I would consider it a great deal. If you are unlucky and it is case 4, well you just may inherit big trouble.

 

[WorldLeader]

I've been very happy w/ my factory refurb HK reciever for almost a year now. Check ebay for factory direct sites and avoid the "grey" market.

x2

My HK AVR 235 has been excellent so far

 

[sn_85]

also check the warranty periods for refurbished products. denon refurbs only carry a 90 day warranty as opposed to 2 years for a new product.

 

[Droff]

Thanks for the input. From what I've seen, I can get more receiver for less money going this route, but wasn't sure of the track record.

 

[Nick250]

I have found that if I scout around the local B&Ms I usually can get a price close enough to the on line sellers that I can stay in my comfort zone and purchase locally. On thing to note is that while the price sticker on the item is list price a lot of the dealers around here are willing to listen to and accept offers of less than that. That being said most of the stories I have heard here on AO about referbs has been positive.


Nick

 

[bandit]

I've purchased 2 refurbed units directly from HK on there ebay store. Both came with 2 years warranty at an excellent price. One arrived damaged and when I sent them an email they emailed me a pre-paid shipping label and stated that they would send another just as soon as they recieved the damaged unit... I was impressed. Both of these have worked flawlessly. One is in my son's bedroom and the other is in our living room...
I would do it again if I were looking....

Bandit

 

[tomd51]

Refurbished/Pre-Owned == Positive

I'm currently running a refurbished Yamaha RX-V2500 (uBid) with a pre-owned Sunfire Cinema Grande 200x5 amp (AudiogoN), refurbished VR3s (OneCall), pre-owned VR12 (HTS forum) and pre-owned Axiom QS8s (eBay) in my main setup. This is coupled with a pre-owned Hitachi 61SWX12B 61" HD RPTV.

Also I'm running a refurbished Denon AVR-886 (uBid) with a pair of pre-owned CR65s and VR10 ( both eBay) in a second setup along with a refurbed Yamaha RX-V659 (uBid), Boston CR55s and Boston Bravo (also both eBay) in my bedroom setup.

Suffice to say I wouldn't be able to afford half of this equipment if I didn't buy refurbished or used. I may have caviar taste, but I'm stuck w/the peanut butter wallet...

In my several refurbished and used purchases, I can honestly say I have been very fortunate and have rarely run into someone selling a "lemon". This is obviously one of those "risk-reward" situations, but in my experience, I've found the reward far outweighs the risk, at least when it's come to my home theater purchases.

Good luck! -TD