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!
Shipping speakers is different. Just because they have the factory packaging doesn’t mean they will survive FedEx or UPS. I bought a pair of Dali Helican 800’s that UPS destroyed the bases. Good scratch and dent deal for me after I restored the base plinths. Once they get above 60 pounds I wouldn’t trust UPS or FedEx. If they can pack them and drop them off for freight shipment is the way to go if they are large. |
Independence of events, @cubbiesman - any conclusion you base on input here or other fora / threads (about used/shipping) could easily land on the flip side of your coin. When deciding on buying used, if you couldn’t really afford - emotionally and/or financially - to shrug off and have fixed any damage(s) or future defect(s) that might arise, it’s a heavy tally in the don’t-buy-used column. |
If buying used speakers, I’ve made long drives to verify all drivers operate and inspect before loading and transporting myself. If site unseen, there’s risk but stick with places like TMR and you’re pretty safe. Remember, there’s risk for the seller too. I sold a set of tubes and the buyer wanted money back claiming one of the tubes was bad. I offered full refund for return of all tubes. After several weeks he returned them and I found all tested and worked perfectly. Coincidentally he was selling a tube amp and I suspect he needed my good tubes for demo. There’s risk on both sides. |
Light speakers, no problem. Heavy speakers, personal pickup only is my recommendation. My latest weigh well over 200 lbs each. I live near Austin, bought them used in Fort Worth. Saved me 13 k. Ad was posted both on audiogon and USAM. Seller had a handful of good reviews. Have been buying multiple used pieces of audio online for years without any issues. Selling can actually cause more headaches. Just dive in if saving money matters to you. |
@roxy54 Silly to say the least. I’m just an average joe with no used speaker buying experience who is contemplating the pro/cons of such a purchase. I think anybody, whether experienced or not, needs to be a smart consumer when laying out $10K+ for the first time. A lot of the good posters have provided me valuable insights and tips in helping me assess said pros and cons. Not sure from where and how you’re drawing your conclusions but your remarks added zero value. Again, looking for good feedback vs. an amateur psych evaluation. |
