One of the challenges facing every buyer and seller of audio equipment is
interpreting the descriptive words used by the other party. For example, what does new,
mint, excellent, very good condition, or good condition mean? What is mint for one
may only be excellent to another. Audio Shopper eschews the creation of a new rating
system. Since high end audio is already burdened with so much esoterica, we opted to keep
things simple. To that end, we chose to employ the common terms and language typically
used in the audio trade and clarify their meaning.
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As a start, we suggest the following definitions for the six most often used and
misconstrued words in the audio trade. These are enumerated and clarified below.
- New: Never been used. The package may have been opened for inspection but the
component has not been used.
- Mint: This is a component that is flawless with NOT A SINGLE SCRATCH, blemish or
inclusion visible to the naked eye within 12 inches. The unit is in perfect working order
and has not been modified or repaired by anyone.
- Excellent: This would be a unit with a one or two very minor and superficial
scratches that are visible only upon close scrutiny within 12 inches. These are the result
of aging and use NOT abuse. The unit is in perfect working order, may have been updated or
repaired by a factory representative. All markings (on the faceplate and metal casing) are
legible and clear without any indication of fading.
- Very good condition: A unit described as in very good condition is a component
that has been used with care but is showing its age. There are one to three superficial
inclusions or scratches visible beyond 12 inches. There is NO rust, not even a tad. The
unit is in perfect working order with all functionality intact. All markings are legible
and clear.
- Good condition: These are units that have aged with less grace and personal care.
Minor scratches and one or three small nicks are visible. There may be slight fading of
the letters on the faceplate. The component must be in perfect working order. All switches
and functions are operational.
- Fair condition: These are units that have really been exposed to much use and
handling as attested by scratches, color fading, nicks, appearance of exposed metal and
the like.
Inputs from readers have helped us illuminate and distinguish the differences among the
various grades. We welcome your comments to even further craft and wordsmith a more
precise descriptive vocabulary we can all commonly use. Thanks to those who have
responded. This is all for our benefit and protection.
by Judy Cipriani
9/10/99
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How to grade audio components