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 3 responses by ltmandella

Buying any used hifi generally has more risk than buying new unless there is an ironclad money back return policy..

One exception might be buying new from shady foreign dealers...

@elliot.

I would not buy used toilet paper from the Russkies.  You can't be serious.  

@paulcreed I watched the UNITED PULVERIZING SERVICE guy free drop my brand new Wharfedale 12.4 speakers off the truck onto the driveway, then flip them end-over-end up my second floor stairs...

Lucky all that was broken was one of the floor stands.  Crutchfield was great about replacement for the broken part but they did send the wrong replacement first try, so still a big hassle for me.