Bitmain Scam in "stealing" bitcoins from the machines they sell

[bdf]

Hello All,

I am just beginning in Bitcoin mining. I am in the process right now of purchasing 2 ea s9 computers and power supplies.
As I look at the many distributors that I can purchase from, it becomes clear that if you purchase from a distributor based in China the price is less than half as much - then purchasing from an Amazon distributor.

Why such a pricing disparity?

I asked a friend and he replied saying those low prices are too good to be true. He went on to say that Bitmain has been sued over selling S9 mining computers that somehow shave off some of the bitcoin production - which Bitmain keeps.

So my question is this: Is it safe to purchase an Antminer s9 machine from one of the Chinese distributors for somewhere between $1100 - $1500? (Amazon distributors are selling the same machine for $3000). Does ANYONE have any knowledge or experience with this??

Thank you!!
BDF

[NotFuzzyWarm]

Your 'friend' is full of horse sh**.
Bitmain has NEVER been sued for what you referred nor even reputably accused of it. Possibly he confused the kerfuffle over asicboost or the remote shutdown tempest-in-a-teapot with that. BTW: both the above were non-issues but excellent troll fodder.

Bitmain and Canaan (Avalons) are 100% on the level. Customer service sucks but they are not cheats. ALWAYS order direct from them!

Buying through 3rd parties like resellers on Amazon, Alibaba, et al only means:
NO factory warranty at all. PERIOD.
Neither Bitmain nor Canaan use authorized distributors/resellers - that includes Chinese ones.
The resellers on Amazon charge 2x the direct price because the resellers are paying that direct-from price and then adding around 100% markup.

Buy direct. Bitmain.com or Canaan.io

[VRobb]

You need friends who know what they're talking about. Good thing you came here, notfuzzy is one of the best!

[bdf]

Yeah Buddy!! I'm very glad I came to this forum and thanks very much to both of you!

Getting on the right track at the beginning has been a good challenge. 

Do you fellas subscribe to the use of a 2000W power supply (as opposed to say an EVGA Titanium 1600W psu)? The reason being in order to operate slightly lower along the most efficient part of the psu load curve. Any thoughts about that or Power Supplies in general?

Have a great day!!