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Buying Used Speakers

Want to get the group's thoughts on buying used speakers.  The value proposition in many cases is compelling.  However, there is a pretty good element of risk as well, even from reputable Audiogon sellers.  What exactly does, "completely tested mean?"  Or "performs flawlessly?"  You don't in most cases get a warranty for starters and you're at the complete mercy of the adds and pics.  Some of the sellers are broker dealers (with stellar reputations), so do they even know how they were treated?  Prob not.   Let's face it - the vast majority of condition ratings are based on the cosmetics IMHO.  

Has anybody bought expensive speakers on AG or elsewhere?  What questions did you ask the seller to help ensure they're as sonically good as cosmetically?  Did you test them yourselves once you received them?  Any good lessons learned would be much appreciated as well.  I know for starters to get a complete  description of how they're going to ship them.  Thanks in advance!   

cubbiesman

Showing 1 response by gents

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gents
94 posts
 

I have absolutely no problem driving from New York City to, say, Ohio to pick up speakers I want. I know more often than not people generally don’t have a problem with FedEx or UPS, but if you’ve ever had a problem trying to collect on an insured audio shipment, you know how vulnerable to mumbo-jumbo fkery are. I don’t want to be a lawyer to get my money back on a lost or destroyed shipment. They don’t like to pay.

Buy speakers in your region of the country and...

A) You get your item on your timetable

B) If you’re going to pick up in, say, Pittsburgh, take your lovely spouse with you and spend a day doing whatever it is you do in Pittsburgh.

C) A $79 hotel stay, some gas & a day or two out with your friend, kid, S.O., etc still beats a fingers crossed 8 day $500 delivery fee- and you’re still on your schedule to hear those speakers you really wanted.

D) I’m not a believer in shipping speakers. You want them shipped right? Common carriers do a fine job with big, heavy, well packed fragile items, but thats a prohibitive expense.

I don’t feel this way about buying modern components via shipment. USPS has been absolutely 1000% spectacular over my entire time as an audio enthusiast. In terms price, time, value, tracking and safe arrival- I can’t ever say the same for audio shipments with UPS or even worse, FedEx.

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