This may be a dumb question, but whats the difference between the products at retailers and those on ebay?

Why should I pay $600 for a set of component speakers, when I can get them on ebay for $330 delivered?

Any help on this is appreciated. Any reputable online dealers that you would recommend.

 

The biggest difference, other than price, is warranty. Anything on ebay is not going to carry a factory warranty(there are a couple of exceptions). There are also a lot of reports of ebay equipment being factory seconds, knockoffs, refurbs and flat out broken. Serial numbers are sometimes removed. If the security of a factory warranty is not a big factor and it is from a reputable ebay seller, then you can take that chance to save some cash (a lot of cash in some situations).

 

One of the most important things to remember is when buying off ebay be sure to get a 3rd party warranty such as repairmaster or warrantech, there are others but research them before you buy. If they offer in house warranty make sure they have great feedback and been around a long time. Plus read a heck of a lot of their feedback for others that delt with them for problems.

 

I'm a cheap bastard so the last 3 systems I've had all came from ebay. So far I have never had any problems.

Just read the ads carefully, some folks love creating VERY misleading ads about what their auctioning. And try to stick with new items from reputable sellers, Sonicelectronix, deepdiscounts(one of my favorites, dispite getting flamed from the "brand wh@&es" I think MA Audio rocks for the price) etc.

Keep in mind that some of what their selling may be new but older model #'s retail stores dont want to carry. Infinity 6010's instead of the newer 6020's. Pioneer head units before ipod cables were included etc.