Would an imperfection like this bother you?

[Mr. Big]

If all else is right with the speaker it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me as long as the asking price takes the imperfection into account.

[crwilli]

Not a deal breaker for me - at the right price.

[drabbish]

if it was something cheap then yeah but for something that you have been searching for and will cost you a mint, I'd probabley want more assurance. If this is an authorized dealer and has warranty then maybe if the deal was good. For my burmester amp the dealer agreed to have it sent to burmester before it was sent to me for a check up. burmester gave it a thumbs up then I agreed to purchase. worse case if your serious fly in and out to see them in person. the plane ticket is a small price compared to the speakers price tag

[Capcom]

Originally Posted by Mr. Big

If all else is right with the speaker it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me as long as the asking price takes the imperfection into account.

Lets assume that the seller has factored the defect in to the asking price...
I say go ahead and get them. You'll never see it when your listening to music and ....they're Stradivari's after all. Could be the last speakers you'll ever need.

[bart]

Originally Posted by Capcom

Lets assume that the seller has factored the defect in to the asking price...
I say go ahead and get them. You'll never see it when your listening to music and ....they're Stradivari's after all. Could be the last speakers you'll ever need.

+1.

[joey_v]

So how much would you guys pay for a pair of these graphite Strads with the imperfection?

[joey_v]

By the way, does Sumiko or Fine Sounds honor 2nd owners in terms of future repair (meaning if I have a non warranty issue, like if I burnt the voice coil of woofer).. not talking about warranty claims but just a repair...?

Meaning, another pair on audiogon, no receipt but legitimately from the US.

[jdandy]

Joey.......If the price reflects the flaw in the finish and everything else about the speaker is in proper working order, this might be the perfect time to save some dollars. In the end you do not listen to the finish, you listen to the speakers. That flaw should reflect a minimum $2500.00 drop in the price. Although the blemish is unsightly it is small enough and located where you will not see it from your sweet spot, especially since the speakers are tilted back once set up.

I am not fond of flaws but it is very difficult to find any second hand speakers that are truly flawless as in factory fresh. Depending on where you live there may be a piano finisher or master furniture finisher in your local that could all but make that blemish disappear. On the other hand, if you are someone who finds any discrepancies unacceptable then just pass on the deal. There's lots of other speakers for sale.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by joey_v

By the way, does Sumiko or Fine Sounds honor 2nd owners in terms of future repair (meaning if I have a non warranty issue, like if I burnt the voice coil of woofer).. not talking about warranty claims but just a repair...?

Meaning, another pair on audiogon, no receipt but legitimately from the US.

Joey.......If this person is the original owner as he states in his ad then he should have the original receipt that he could pass to you. This should be all you would need in order to receive out of warranty repairs should the need arise.

I see he is asking $21,950.00. I have seen undamaged Strads selling for $22,000.00 so his price with the damage is not representative of the flaw. Offer him $19,500.00.

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Joey.......If this person is the original owner as he states in his ad then he should have the original receipt that he could pass to you. This should be all you would need in order to receive out of warranty repairs should the need arise.

I see he is asking $21,950.00. I have seen undamaged Strads selling for $22,000.00 so his price with the damage is not representative of the flaw. Offer him $19,500.00.

Excellent advice, Dan.

Ken