"Turnkey" Systems on eBay

[kyluigi]

To start off, I am not in the market for an hd system but in my looking around on eBay, I have found some sellers offering "Turnkey" systems. Like this one... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Avid-Digidesign-Pro-Tools-8-HD2-Accel-Core-Accel-192-i-o-G5-Bundle-/230833036148?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35beb8 9b74

(can't get the link to work but type in on eBay, pro tools hd and its being sold by gsharpmusic)
Others give you an older 96 i/o with pro tools 9hd and various variations. My question for you guys is how legit is this? And if my understanding is correct, you might/might not be able to use the 192 with pt11? And TDM is now on the way out with the new plugin format.

Also has anyone ever bought a system such as this on ebay? Just doing some gear research, not intending to buy one for myself anytime soon. I was just curious. If you were starting a studio and didn't have a whole lot of money, you could basically get a HD setup for 3k! What are you guys' thoughts on this stuff?

[kyluigi]

Really no one has anything to add?

[albee1952]

I would guess most are totally legit(look at the seller's feedback). Any time something new hits the market(HDX), whatever the old version is/was, its likely to drop in value(at least for a while anyway). Going into one of these systems can be a good value. Just be a smart shopper and do some analysis. For instance, are you concerned about future support, or updates? For some, that's a big deal, while for others, a working rig is all they care about. Heck, in Nashville, there are still some people working on Mix+ rigs...and making a living. For some clients, its not the gear, its the engineer(skill, talent, personality, how good the coffee is......).

[nerd513]

i bought my HD sytsem on ebay it was the best move ive ever made... i did have my G5 already though...

[kyluigi]

Thanks guys! So chances are if you buy one of these you might not be eligible for upgrades. Also @albee, how are you running pt hd? Did you buy a liscense of eBay?

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by kyluigi

Thanks guys! So chances are if you buy one of these you might not be eligible for upgrades. Also @albee, how are you running pt hd? Did you buy a liscense of eBay?

Sorry, but I am not at liberty to answer that one...under penalty of death(mine, not yours). But ebay could be a good source, as long as its a "full" version and not an update(which would require a previous license or a hardware serial number which you would not have). Some folks are buying an HD/Native card with software, keeping the software and selling the card(which someone like me could buy and use, already having the software)

[Barry Johns]

I have sold over 10 HD Systems on eBay. Do your homework on the seller, has solid feedback selling high end gear and you should be fine.

[brickroadstudio]

Most likely you will not be eligible for any upgrades unless the software license is new. (unopened box, fresh ilok license)
However I purchased a native card and a 192 on ebay and I saved a ton, and it was all sealed brand new...