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buying used amplifier.

Old Sep 14, 2010 | 08:50 PM
  #1  
chatsky's Avatar
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buying used amplifier.

Guys i need advice!

I'm looking at buying a used amplifier. the Model is "JL 1000/1 slash" to power the Alpine type X 10 in my trunk.

I am really scared that i am making a mistake though. How safe is buying a used amplifier off ebay? What can go wrong? What are your guy's experiences with this.

Also there are lots of JL slash 1000/1's on ebay for sale used, but not many other brands. this kind of scares me, anybody know why this is?

Thanks. James
Old Sep 14, 2010 | 08:58 PM
  #2  
JohnVroom's Avatar
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Originally Posted by chatsky
I am really scared that i am making a mistake though. How safe is buying a used amplifier off ebay? What can go wrong? What are your guy's experiences with this.
what can go wrong?... anything CAN go wrong, buying from a trusted source is your only recourse (a 100 positive rating no negative is a good reference point) and even then stuff can happen but if you want champagne and have a beer budget this is one of the best ways to get there from here. I have been ripped off once in 200 ebay purchases. Remember when you buy a used item you are buying something someone else doesnt want

Also there are lots of JL slash 1000/1's on ebay for sale used, but not many other brands. this kind of scares me, anybody know why this is?
this is not a true statement
Old Sep 14, 2010 | 10:50 PM
  #3  
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When buying used, not just from ebay but from anywhere, you are talking your life (amplifiers life) into your own hands. Be careful of brokerage or duty fees if the item is shipping from the States. Often the sellers don`t know anything about those fees, they just pay the shipping company what they ask for then when the products shows up at your door UPS or whoever demand an outragous brokerage fee.
This brokerage is hit and miss, I`ve had to pay as much as $80 for $200 bucks worth of DVD`s but I`ve paid nothing on the purchase of 3 sets of speakers (about $300 worth). Ask the seller to ship via USPS, that is usually your best bet.

I recently purchased 4 factory refurbished JBL amps from ebay and had no problems but you never know what might happen. I had them shipped to Sumas Washington then picked them up, declared them at the border and payed the applicable taxes though I see this might not be an option for you since you`re in Kamloops.

If you`re unsure, a few extra bucks spent at your local shop will go along way in getting you a quality amp with warranty and support to help you get the most out of it.
Old Sep 17, 2010 | 06:30 PM
  #4  
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Buying off eBay is typically safe. There are buyer protection policies in place for sellers trying to make a quick buck. Really if there is the slightest bit wrong with the used amp that wasn't noted in the listing, you can report it to eBay and PayPal and will more than likely get your money back or get a replacement. It will however take time shipping back and forth, only if something were to go wrong.

I've purchased 2 JL amps off eBay and have had nothing but good things to say. They cost me the same as 1 at my local shop for the same amp.

If you're seeing alot of Slash/V2 amps for sale, that is because they are popular. JL has released a new line of amps that is replacing the Slash series. Sounds like people may be purchasing the latest and greatest. I personally would stay with the Slash over the new line. It has constant output not matter what input voltage between 11V and 14V.

Last edited by wvince; Sep 17, 2010 at 06:37 PM.
Old Sep 17, 2010 | 08:55 PM
  #5  
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I've only ever had one bad experience purchasing from Ebay, I bought a Ipod cable for my Alpine and it didn't plug-in. Even though it was the exact model that I needed.

I think they guy sent me a fake or something, I got screwed over but it didn't cost that much.

Just look at the sellers feedback, And make sure you read there whole Ebay page and send them a question about the item to see if they actually reply.

I am forced to buy audio products in other locations, Where I live car audio basically only exists at Future Shop and the only thing they sell that's worth buying are head units.

Last edited by d4rin; Sep 17, 2010 at 08:57 PM.
Old Sep 17, 2010 | 10:05 PM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by wvince
If you're seeing alot of Slash/V2 amps for sale, that is because they are popular. JL has released a new line of amps that is replacing the Slash series. Sounds like people may be purchasing the latest and greatest. I personally would stay with the Slash over the new line. It has constant output not matter what input voltage between 11V and 14V.
JL has a lot of the parts backorderd on the HD amps likely until the end of the year. The slash amps will continue to be built for a while yet.
Old Sep 18, 2010 | 02:24 PM
  #7  
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Good to hear wasted911. JL should take the Slash series amps off the discontinued list on their web site until it really is discontinued.
Old Sep 18, 2010 | 07:13 PM
  #8  
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just make sure you read all of the fine print about return policies and item condition, make sure its been tested and guaranteed against dead on arrival, GOOOD LUCK!
Old Sep 18, 2010 | 11:20 PM
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Ditto wvince, brandon. Maybe try Sonic Electronix. Way cheaper than stores and authorized dealer for lots of their gear(warranty coverage). They calculate duties and taxes into the bill so UPS guy doesnt gouge you on arrival. Shipped to Kelowna in 5 business days.
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