I feel PayPal is best. If possible have the seller set up a private auction on ebay. The auction link is sent to you. You get both eBay and PayPal buyer protection. You also get eBay guaranteed delivery. Also use insurance. Have the seller send via USPS with signed delivery confirmation AT the local post office. The extra expense is well worth the security. Also when you package arrives at the local post office, you get a notification in your mail box. Then you pick up at your convenience. No having to take vacation to wait for delivery. No chasing trucks. And no fear of porch pirates. Security and peace of mind for all.
Buyer Beware
Audiogon has seen a number of fake accounts trying to rip off members. If you come across an item that seems very low in price and advertised by a brand new member the chances are it is a fake account trying to rip you off. My suggestion is to not attempt to buy from any of these accounts.
They have figured out how to get bogus tracking accounts from USPS, which look like an item was delivered to your house. Until you can prove that nothing was delivered, which can take time, you are out of your money. In some cases, the more that time passes the less likely you can prove this.
I’m not sure why Audiogon can not do a better job of filtering these scammers out but there are a number of ads up now that are most definitely scams.