I bought mine from a store that I'd been going to for decades with a strong reputation that given your s/n you probably know. The last pair of 2.4s they had were first sold months before I came in and found them, in the finish I wanted, no less. Some high powered attorney with more money than time wanted the latest in speakers so I picked up his 3month old trade for less than half price. I think they wanted the space as home theater had become their main focus. I'm not a big believer in divine intervention, particularly in audio but this still seems pretty miraculous to me.
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!