Great buy on arc ref 5?

[mep]

This posting on Audiogon for an ARC REF 5 for only $4250 appears to be a great opportunity to be ripped off. The seller is in Spain and has zero feedback. The REF 5 is listed as being in 9/10 condition but there are no pictures.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-audio-research-ref-5-preamplifier-2013-10-09-preamplifiers-spain

 

[Steve Williams]

This posting on Audiogon for an ARC REF 5 for only $4250 appears to be a great opportunity to be ripped off. The seller is in Spain and has zero feedback. The REF 5 is listed as being in 9/10 condition but there are no pictures.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-audio-research-ref-5-preamplifier-2013-10-09-preamplifiers-spain

Not for my money Mark. Even if legit it is a royal PITA for shipping and then customs plus tax on stated amount before you even get home to make sure it plays

But that's just my $4250

 

[mep]

I think you would pay $4250 + shipping and never see your money again or receive the REF 5.

 

[Steve Williams]

that's if it's a scam. If it's legit then all the other headaches and hidden expense that I posted

 

[Swelfelo]

Well, Ebay is very good at protecting buyers so long as the complaint is filed timely.

Also, another problem is that unit is set for 220 volts, which means effort or cost to convert the voltage.

 

[DaveyF]

It's the old saying" If it's too good to be true....".

 

[edorr]

Not worth the risk. I was offered a Ref 5 for around $6K - 110v from official dealer (trade-in). Then you want it upgraded to Ref 5SE. Turns out AR does not have the parts and wait for an upgrade is indefinite (this was 8 months ago - may have changed). Just stay on the lookout for a US based unit. They do show up.

 

[edorr]

It's the old saying" If it's too good to be true....".

I think $4250 is not too good to be true - reasonable price given the complexity and risk. Only way to do it is use escrow if the seller agrees. I believe Paypal has escrow service.

 

[mep]

I think $4250 is not too good to be true - reasonable price given the complexity and risk. Only way to do it is use escrow if the seller agrees. I believe Paypal has escrow service.

REF 3s are selling for more than $4250.