Anyone know anything about Redgum? Advice needed.

chadh · « **on:** 26 Mar 2007, 02:02 pm »

I went to the AudioKarma festival on Sunday, and walked home with a prize in the raffle: a Redgum RGi60 integrated amplifier that retails in the US for around $1650. I called my wife to let her know and, when I drove up to the house, she greeted me by asking, "So what are you going to sell?"

The pressure is on to make some decision, as to what stays and what goes.

Here is some info on the unit:

http://www.redgumaudio.com/au/rgi60.html

It was out of the box on display at AKFEST but has not been played. I'm averse to playing it myself, as I don't want to lower the resale value if I decide the new amp has to go. But that leaves me with a problem: I don't know how it sounds, or how it might work with my speakers.

This is my current system:

SB2 with Bolder's analog mods and Bolder's basic power supply
Space Tech Labs QA001 pre-amp (with 6sn7 tubes)
Channel Islands Audio VMB1 monoblocks
Omega Super 3 XRS speakers

These are my questions:

1. If I hook the amp up for a listen, will that lower my potential resale value much? Given that it's not broken in, am I likely to get much of a handle on its character from a quick listen anyway? (Actually, forget the last part of the question - I'm not ready for a polarizing debate on this issue).
2. If you've heard the 60w/channel Redgum amp, with what sort of speakers did it mate well? Is one likely to be happy with this 60w/channel solid state amp (with built-in passive pre) paired with the 93 dB, single driver XRS speakers? How different is this experience likely to be from using 40w/channel of gaincard-style chip amp with a low, low gain active tubed pre?
3. Retail on my pre-amp and amps totaled around $1600, and I'm pretty sure that I wasn't paying an awful lot for cosmetics. The Redgum amp is gorgeous (and goes superbly with a handmade redgum coffee-table I brought over from Australia). Am I foolish to imagine that the Redgum might compete sonically with what I have?
4. If I do sell the Redgum unit, how should it be described? If it's been out of the box for display only, is it "new"? Or does it warrant only a 10/10 on the audiogon rating? Any (sensible) suggestions on resale price? Does 75% of list price sound reasonable?

Thanks for any input.

Chad

ZLS · « **Reply #1 on:** 26 Mar 2007, 02:54 pm »

Immediate thought, until you play it you do not know if it works. Would not a potential customer want that assurance at the least?

mezzrow · « **Reply #2 on:** 26 Mar 2007, 03:11 pm »

I can't answer all of your questions, but I own a Redgum RGi120, and I can attest to the fact that it is a fantastic-sounding amplifier. I use it primarily with Vienna Acoustics Beethovens (91db/4ohms) with great success. Plenty of power, very neutral, non-fatiguing sound. My only "complaint" is that the dual volume controls take a bit of getting used to. I know Redgum now makes a single volume control version, you don't mention which version you have...

I would strongly suggest that you give it a good listen. If you decide it doesn't work for you, explain the situation in your A'gon ad and rate it 9/10. I don't think the difference between 9/10 and 10/10 translates into much of a monetary difference. Unfortunately, Redgum is not very well known in the States, so resale may not be quite as much as you might like. I'm guessing you may decide to keep it...

Good luck!

konut · « **Reply #3 on:** 26 Mar 2007, 03:44 pm »

Don't pass up the oppourtunity to audition the amp. You will know soon enough weather its a 'keeper'. Give it a decent burn in and then A B it with your current setup. Blindfold your wife and then ..............ask her which one she likes. This will be the definitive answer.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #4 on:** 26 Mar 2007, 05:32 pm »

I would listen to it, since it is free to you, and I agree that 10/10 vs 9/10 is likely to not be a large $$ difference.

Found a few positive reviews of Redgum gear, not sure if it will stack up well for your system or not. I wouldn't be afraid to run it for a few weeks, would still be 9/10.

http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/redgumaudio/review06_avl.html - the 60 itself

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/redgum_rgi120.htm - the 120, but references the 60 also.

bprice2 · « **Reply #5 on:** 26 Mar 2007, 06:12 pm »

Chad,

Nice score! I can't give you any constructive advice, but I can tell you what I would do.

Plug that puppy in and give it a good listen. 10-1 you'll learn something about your system. After it breaks in and you have a chance to do a good comparison, decide which amp(s) you want to sell and get yourself some new hemp drivers. And, if it was me, I'd hold on to the rest of the dough and see what Wayne comes up with on this Burson Buffer thing he's working on. But then again, nobody's ever accused me of being sensible with money.

Brett

chadh · « **Reply #6 on:** 26 Mar 2007, 06:27 pm »

Quote from: bprice2 on 26 Mar 2007, 06:12 pm

Chad,
And, if it was me, I'd hold on to the rest of the dough and see what Wayne comes up with on this Burson Buffer thing he's working on. But then again, nobody's ever accused me of being sensible with money.

Brett

Nice idea, Brett. But I think the wife already has the money spent. I suspect she feels that FINALLY something positive has come out of my audio interest, and she's not going to waste it.

Chad

bprice2 · « **Reply #7 on:** 26 Mar 2007, 06:44 pm »

Well...if that's the case, then I guess I shouldn't tell you what your first mistake was.

Of course, nobody's ever accused me of being a sensible husband either.

TCM · « **Reply #8 on:** 26 Mar 2007, 09:55 pm »

One of the coolest systems I've seen over at Slim Devices

chadh · « **Reply #9 on:** 27 Mar 2007, 01:14 am »

Well, thanks everybody for the input.

Of course, if I'd thought about things for a second I should have known what everybody would say: "You have to listen to the damn amp!" It's sort of like asking a bunch of drunks what to do with a bottle a whiskey.

Of course, being a metaphorical "drunk" myself, I'm mightily tempted to take the advice.

Right now, I think I'll take a slightly different course. I think I'll put it up for auction on audiogon with a relatively high reserve price. That way, if it sells I can at least feel that I've made a contribution to my kids' college educations. And if it doesn't sell (which may be quite likely, given that Redgum is not such a well known brand) THEN I'll break it out and listen to it and decide if I should sell it at a lower price, or unload my current separates.

Of course, the amp won't be gone for a while yet. So any additional advice will be welcome.

By the way: does anybody have any advice on when to list an audiogon auction? I'm thinking if I list around the middle of the day on Saturday, I'll have a "new auction listing" through the rest of that Saturday, and then have an "ending auction" listing Friday night and early Saturday? Is this the best way to get the most traffic?

Thanks,

Chad

tomjtx · « **Reply #10 on:** 27 Mar 2007, 01:50 am »

I hope you listen to the amp. I've heard great things about it.

I don't quite follow your logic re not listening.
If the box has been opened I would, as a prospective buyer, consider it used and it wouldn't make any difference if it had been listened to or not. As soon as it is opened it is used, IMO.

I can't imagine anyone would pay more just because you didn't listen to it. Are we to asume the dealer didn't listen to it?

It seems to me what constitutes it's used or opened value would be the newness of the design and the cosmetic condition of the amp.

If it is the latest model then it is worth more than "last years" model.

As a buyer, "I" wouldn't pay you a penny more just because you didn't listen to it.

Why don't you listen to it for a few weeks and have some fun?
I truly don't think you would devalue your resale.

what do the rest of you guys think?

Gordy · « **Reply #11 on:** 27 Mar 2007, 02:21 am »

I agree Tomjtx, to me a 10/10 is mint, mint is new-in-box, an opened box is used. Plug it in, crank it up and enjoy it

maxwalrath · « **Reply #12 on:** 27 Mar 2007, 02:50 am »

I would consider a completely perfect open box item 10/10, because there's a "NEW" option in the grading scale. Once the box is open, I wouldn't think it loses value after a few hours on it.....

I'd think the contrary, if the box was open anyway, I'd feel safer in the transaction if I knew for certain that the seller could attest that the thing worked.

Bill Baker · « **Reply #13 on:** 27 Mar 2007, 02:52 am »

Hey Chad,
You may be surprised how fast it sells. While they are not a big name in the staes, there is a small following for the Redgum gear. Go ahead and listen to it as it will not detract much from the value as long as you use kid gloves and don't mark it up. At least you will be feel confident in describing it knowing that it works properly.

Think of it like a new car..... you have already driven it off the lot so you might as well finish the test drive. Make sure not to lock the keys in it

macrojack · « **Reply #14 on:** 27 Mar 2007, 03:17 am »

Don't be greedy and don't cheat yourself. It's found money no matter how you look at it, and if it sells for $1100 instead of $1250, you are still way ahead.
I can't tell you anything from personal experience about the piece but I know it is highly respected and kind of a fringe item. I picture it as being like Electrocompaniet from downunder.
It may be that you like it better than your present setup and not knowing will eat at you after you sell it. So--------pull it out, hook it up and enjoy it. Write a review on it. Offer it on AC first. Calm down. Have fun. This can't be a problem, can it?

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #15 on:** 27 Mar 2007, 04:14 am »

Its opened....listen to it....make sure it works....then decide what to sell.

A review on Audiogon...

Toka · « **Reply #16 on:** 27 Mar 2007, 02:55 pm »

I agree with the last few folks...getting a 'free' chance to hear new gear in your own home is rare, and you won't hurt yourself sale-wise if you play it for a week. Enjoy it!

luvvinvinyl · « **Reply #17 on:** 29 Mar 2007, 11:24 am »

Congratulations on winning the Redgum RGi-60, Chad. I do hope you give a listen to that amp. That donation came straight from Ian Robinson, after I spoke with him, last year. Good luck, whatever you decide to do with it.

Thanks for coming out to the Fest.

chadh · « **Reply #18 on:** 29 Mar 2007, 12:21 pm »

Quote from: luvvinvinyl on 29 Mar 2007, 11:24 am

Congratulations on winning the Redgum RGi-60, Chad. I do hope you give a listen to that amp. That donation came straight from Ian Robinson, after I spoke with him, last year. Good luck, whatever you decide to do with it.

Thanks for coming out to the Fest.

No, no. Thank YOU! I had a great time, and am already looking forward to another visit next year.

And in a display that's part capitulation to peer pressure, and part self indulgence, I've decided to spend some time with the amp. I'll break it out this weekend, and see how it goes.

Chad

chadh · « **Reply #19 on:** 1 Apr 2007, 05:02 am »

I hooked the amp up this evening, and it's playing now ("Like Minds", with Gary Burton, Chick Corea, Roy Haynes, Path Metheny and Dave Holland). Here are a couple of pictures.

It sounds nice straight out of the box, played at midnight levels so as not to wake the kids. I'll see how it develops, and what happens when I can turn it up.

Chad