I’m in one of those positions all of us face, what do I do?

[34dean]

As an audiophile flipper, regularly wondering what the next piece to the puzzle could sound like, here I am.
I have the opportunity to buy a three year-old Luxman C–900u preamplifier for 1/4 its price new.
It is a demo unit in mint condition. A game changer for my system. I currently have a Schiit Freya+ with very nice tube upgrades and it sound great. But…. It’s not this Luxman.
I just bought a pair of new Philharmonic BMR monitors so this purchase is definitely not planned, but more of an opportunity.
What to do???
I’d be stretching “disposable” funds at a tricky time with other purchases happening, so, many reasons to not do this and be “sensible”.

Yet, here I am. Asking for advice.

Thanks all!

 

[ConradH]

IMO, the list price was nuts. I'd be asking how the purchase might affect wives, kids, relations and savings. How's your income stability? Just because something is expensive doesn't mean it's that much better than other choices.

 

[Flippo63]

I say stick with what you have and be satisfied. Too many people are always looking for next thing and won't be happy with what they have no matter how good it is.

I will confess to being guilty of this myself.

Just my 2 cents

 

[dbuz]

What's the depreciation curve like on new(ish) gear? Has it bottomed out?

Doesn't matter if you're keeping it, but something to think about.

 

[Mr Boochie]

I have the opportunity to buy a three year-old Luxman C–900u preamplifier for 1/4 its price new.

So, the price is in the $2K range?

What amp do you currently have? Because you know how this song ends.

 

[34dean]

So, the price is in the $2K range?

What amp do you currently have? Because you know how this song ends.

The C-900u was between $16-20K new. I have a Freya+ with upgraded tubes.

 

[Mr Boochie]

The C-900u was between $16-20K new.

Wow! So we're saying $4-5K for a used/demo?

 

[34dean]

The C-900u was between $16-20K new.

Wow! So we're saying $4-5K for a used/demo?

Yes

 

[Mr Boochie]

Yes

I'd prolly pass this one by the family first.

 

[kwayde]

Current times aren't the best and the future doesn't look promising.

Hang on to your money. Think of your family.

 

[djwhy60]

If you have figured out the $$$ and you have the disposable income to pull it off....why not.

 

[Mr Boochie]

Current times aren't the best and the future doesn't look promising.

Hang on to your money. Think of your family.

Plus, I'm not sure you'd get the most out of that pre-amp without pairing it with a comparable amp.

 

[34dean]

My power amp is a VTV NCx500 Hypex nCore

 

[ESP]

many reasons to not do this and be “sensible”.

Me, I would say take your own advice.

 

[Oerets]

Listen to your inner voice that told you to start this thread.

 

[Mr Boochie]

My power amp is a VTV NCx500 Hypex nCore

Do you think that you'll be satisfied with the Luxman pre-amp + VTV amp combo?

 

[DC]

I'll go against the grain and say "Yes, go for it" - some of my best system upgrades over the years were more "moments of opportunity" vs. "moments of strategy" but you have to decide what's best for you.

 

[34dean]

Sound and practical advice. Thanks all.

 

[kwayde]

If you buy it and have something come up where you need the money you could always dip into the kid's college fund or something similar.

 

[34dean]

If you buy it and have something come up where you need the money you could always dip into the kid's college fund or something similar.

Luckily those days are behind me.