Buying a used Metric Halo 2882 2D / 2D +DSP / Legacy / Legacy +DSP on EBAY

I’ve purchased (4) Metric Halo devices brand new. I’ve purchased (6) Metric Halo devices used. Benefits of buying new include having a warranty, knowing your gear is at 100% and if you make your purchase from someone who knows the Metric Halo product line, Mio Console and such, you’re also getting a support system that doesn’t logically come with used gear. There are times when buying used makes sense. There are also times when you can pay too much. I know from experience.

The “future proof” factor of any Metric Halo device means that any device they’ve ever made can be current (if the right hardware is added). Typically this means adding a 2D card which expands the 2882 or ULN2. The ULN8 and LIO 8 are new enough to where there is only one version. Current.

I have one used device that falls into the “paid too much” category. It’s my UNL2. I purchased what I thought was a 2D model which turned out to be a legacy unit. After paying for the cost of the 2D card (even during a Metric Halo sale), I have invested too much invested in this box to sell it without losing money. As long as I keep it, it’s useful. Lesson learned is make sure you know what you’re buying before you buy it.

Let’s say you’re considering a used box on EBAY. If so, you want to make sure you’re getting what you desire to get. I routinely write EBAY sellers to make sure I know that they know the difference between a legacy box and a 2D box. Whether they know the difference between a 2D unit that has onboard DSP and a unit with a +DSP license that is still a legacy model. If you are clear on this and the seller isn’t clear on this, you could be paying way too much for a box that needs to be updated.

Consider the following costs (taken from Metric Halo Store)

2D upgrade card for 2882 = $329
2D upgrade card for UNL2 = $439
+DSP license = $549
Rack ears for 2882 / UNL2 = $37.50
Rack ears for UNL8 = $40
Power supply for 2882 / ULN2 = $65
Power supply for UNL8 = 75

Obviously if you want a current device and you pay too much for a legacy unit, you’re looking at between $329 and $439 in addition to the purchase price of the device itself.

I’ve actually witnessed Metric Halo boxes sell used on EBAY for more than the sale price of a new unit. Amazing. This speaks of how passionate (and maybe short sighted) Metric Halo users are sometimes. What I can tell you is that if you’re the only one bidding and you win without any competition, you might of bid too much for the wrong device. In general Metric Halo users are smart.

There are (2) types of sellers on EBAY listing Metric Halo gear. Those that know and use the product and then those that have no idea what +DSP means or what 2D means. In the case of a Metric Halo user, they will generally list all the facts about the unit because they know what is important to a Metric Halo user. Those selling Metric Halo gear that don’t know what is what are likely to misrepresent what they are selling and even answer questions wrong. Buyer BEWARE!!!

I recommend writing the seller with the following questions:

What is the serial number of the unit (if it’s not shown in a picture). A low serial number might indicate a legacy box that hasn’t been upgraded.
Are you the original owner?
Are you sure the unit is a 2D model (if that is part of the listing)
Are you sure the unit has a +DSP license (the only way to verify this is either if the unit has +DSP on the front panel near the left or if you get a screen shot of the Mio Console window open). Otherwise there is no visual indication. At the same time, any unit could have +DSP added which means the front panel wouldn’t show +DSP. The only real way to know is to ask for the serial number and a screen shot of the Mio Console window.

When in doubt ask the seller for a screenshot of the Mio Console window showing the serial number, firmware, etc…

Screen Shot 2014-08-23 at 10.34.29 AM 2

When you download Mio Console, it includes firmware update files for both 2D and legacy devices. This is what the Mio Console package folder looks like.

Screen Shot 2014-08-23 at 10.26.05 AM

This is the file for 2D firmware updates

Screen Shot 2014-08-23 at 10.26.18 AM

This is the file for Legacy firmware updates

Screen Shot 2014-08-23 at 10.26.29 AM

Remember that a Legacy device can be upgraded to be current but there is a non trivial cost involved and you have to take the unit apart to do the upgrade.

If you make sure you know what the AUCTION is for and how much the unit will cost to upgrade (if any), you’ll be able to bid with confidence that you’re getting a good deal and not the seller.