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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
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ghdprentice
6,390 posts
 

I am more conservative than some. If I purchased used I would purchase from a company like Echo ( I personally know these guys… the are upfront and would never sell anything that was not up to specs) or a local audio dealer. You will still save a lot of money and have no worries about what you receive.

johnto
976 posts
 

No problem buying used speakers or other equipment used, purchased Magnepan 1.7, 1.7i and 3.7i also Parasound, Pass, Ayer and VPI electronics as well as Soundsmith Cartridge everything has bern as advertised and worked fine. I couldn't afford the equipment I have if purchased new.

I ask the age, condition and if there has ever been a problem.

If possible I try to buy within a drivable distance.

 

 

middlemass
886 posts
 

@ghdprentice: you are right about Echo...Nothing wrong with places like TMR but Echo beats them hands down..IMO.

snapsc
663 posts
 

Just as an example… if you were looking at speakers on USAM from a seller who has numerous positive ratings and has sold speakers… you can be pretty confident you are dealing with a seller who will do everything possible to give a fair rating and deal with you properly because they want another good rating … but no one can guarantee that ups or FedEx won’t drop them…but a well packed speaker in a coffin of styrofoam and double wall cardboard is probably going to be ok. 

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