Like many (or at least some) of us here, I scan the CL ads from time to time. And when I'm looking for something, I scan them all the time. This time (yesterday evening) I was looking for an inexpensive receiver, with remote, for my sister.
Normally, I wouldn't click on an ad titled "Receiver/CD Player/Speakers - $375". Ads like that usually have inexpensive, 15-25 year old, lower end Best Buy equipment that the seller thinks is worth just slightly less than what they paid for it new. Besides, I was only looking for cheap receiver, not the whole package and definitely not at that price.
The picture wasn't the greatest but something in it caught my eye so I clicked on the ad. It read as follows:
Like new:
Rotel AM/FM Stereo Receiver RX-1052
Technics 5 Disc multi compact disc player SL-PD607
Pair of Totem Acoustic speakers
This system is in excellent condition. In acclimatized storage for 15 years.
Beautiful speaker cabinetry.
Fortunately, I was the first to respond (e-mail) and she called me within a few minutes. Feeling somewhat guilty (OK, a lot!) at what she was asking for what she had, I told her that they were worth more than what she was asking. And, that she should expect many more replies. She didn't seem to be concerned about the money.
We set a time for me to come look at them this morning. As she put on a CD, I once again told her that they were worth more than she was asking. We then sat down and visited for about 20 minutes (we are both single and about the same age). Getting up, I counted out the asking price and we started taking things apart. About this time she said "I really don't want to know, but what do you think they are worth?" I said probably around $1000 but that I could not afford them at that price. She said something like OK, no big deal.
Turns out the speakers are Totem Sttaf (consecutive serial numbers) and yes, the cabinetry is beautiful and they sound wonderful, even with my older Yamaha R-V1105. I can tell that they would probably benefit from a little more, and better power as they do sound slightly bloated. She didn't have the remote for the Rotel so I'll wait til I get a universal remote (any suggestions?) to hook it up. Once I do, I will then give my sister the Yahama. Everybody's happy.
P.S. At the very least, I'm going to call and take her out to lunch sometime. If I thought we had more in common, it would be dinner.
Normally, I wouldn't click on an ad titled "Receiver/CD Player/Speakers - $375". Ads like that usually have inexpensive, 15-25 year old, lower end Best Buy equipment that the seller thinks is worth just slightly less than what they paid for it new. Besides, I was only looking for cheap receiver, not the whole package and definitely not at that price.
The picture wasn't the greatest but something in it caught my eye so I clicked on the ad. It read as follows:
Like new:
Rotel AM/FM Stereo Receiver RX-1052
Technics 5 Disc multi compact disc player SL-PD607
Pair of Totem Acoustic speakers
This system is in excellent condition. In acclimatized storage for 15 years.
Beautiful speaker cabinetry.
Fortunately, I was the first to respond (e-mail) and she called me within a few minutes. Feeling somewhat guilty (OK, a lot!) at what she was asking for what she had, I told her that they were worth more than what she was asking. And, that she should expect many more replies. She didn't seem to be concerned about the money.
We set a time for me to come look at them this morning. As she put on a CD, I once again told her that they were worth more than she was asking. We then sat down and visited for about 20 minutes (we are both single and about the same age). Getting up, I counted out the asking price and we started taking things apart. About this time she said "I really don't want to know, but what do you think they are worth?" I said probably around $1000 but that I could not afford them at that price. She said something like OK, no big deal.
Turns out the speakers are Totem Sttaf (consecutive serial numbers) and yes, the cabinetry is beautiful and they sound wonderful, even with my older Yamaha R-V1105. I can tell that they would probably benefit from a little more, and better power as they do sound slightly bloated. She didn't have the remote for the Rotel so I'll wait til I get a universal remote (any suggestions?) to hook it up. Once I do, I will then give my sister the Yahama. Everybody's happy.
P.S. At the very least, I'm going to call and take her out to lunch sometime. If I thought we had more in common, it would be dinner.
But, if you two become a couple she then has her equipment back AND took your money! LOL!!! 
Book to follow.