| Buying Amps on eBay [message #69262] |
Thu, 01 September 2011 06:53  |
Chicken
Messages: 300
Registered: August 2011
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Grand Master |
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Do you ever buy tube amps on eBay? How do you know they will sound ok? Do you just go by the brand name and specs?
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| Re: Buying Amps on eBay [message #72680 is a reply to message #69262] |
Fri, 11 May 2012 15:36  |
likearecordbaby
Messages: 37
Registered: April 2012
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Baron |
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Yes I've bought some there, and eBay can be a great source for getting them reasonably priced. Just be picky about your seller by looking at their feedback, what they claim the condition is, etc.
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| Re: Buying Amps on eBay [message #99792 is a reply to message #69262] |
Mon, 14 September 2026 13:50 |
Clint
Messages: 51
Registered: December 2025
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Baron |
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Yeah I’ve grabbed a few tube amps off eBay. Some were solid, a couple needed work pretty quick.
I would say that brand and specs only get you so far. I check the seller’s feedback first—lots of sales and good ratings in audio stuff helps. Then I stare at the photos. I want to see the insides if they’re showing them, the tubes, any obvious wear or junk. If the listing is sparse I just message the guy and ask what’s up with the tubes, if it’s been worked on, does it hum, any weird noises. Decent sellers usually reply.
Still a gamble though. Caps go bad, tubes get tired, stuff like that. I’ve had ones that looked perfect and still needed a re-cap once they showed up. So I usually figure I’ll spend a little more getting a tech to look it over, especially on older ones. If the price is too good I get suspicious.
Specs tell you the basics but the real sound comes down to condition and the tubes more than anything. I just try not to get burned and accept that sometimes you’re still fixing things.
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I just prefer to hear something in person before I buy, although forum feedback is good too.
I agree, if the seller seems to understand the value and operational features of what he is selling then there is a good chance it is OK. Price is a good guide too, there are no pristine MC275s for $50.
are writing their own "glowing" reviews. 
