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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
toyman
40 posts
 

I buy used from The Music Room tmraudio . com. You can return them.

Vandersteen Treo CT and Moon 700i

No issues.

 

Mike

deep_333
833 posts
 

It depends on the price bracket.

If it is high end 50k or above. I will most definitely buy used, i.e at cut even prices for when I sell it. 

I used to be associated with private listservs (trustworthy guys) where guys just rotate gear in that manner. Unfortunately, when I moved from the coast to a less high end-ish part of the country, it became less practical.

1971gto455ho
403 posts
 

Used is the way to go, let someone else pay the inflated and or kerbside warranty prices. Have many plywood on pallet large heavy successful shipments under my belt. Pick up, pack, crate, ensured, by a local credited company is the way to go. Largest for me was a successful 4000 mile IRS Beta shipment. Of course shipping today like everything else…a cash grab. But I’d rather that to paying 10,000 for crappy speakers only to see the 50% devaluation in a year. 
 

Cheers 

scott22
241 posts
 

Bought all my speakers used. EPI for got number two drivers firing on 45*angle, two firing forward total 4 in each cabnet early 1970ies, then my favorite  Snell C2 then canton 9k reference.

My practice read reviews of what's up for sale locally ( within driving distance) so  I can pre purchase listen and visually inspect and discuss with seller the  price and what if they prove defective options. Generally, I look for minimum 50% off new purchase price (depends on age however how much above below 50%). Never had a problem gear was as advertised. Only issue was with wife on the beautiful oak Snells she though they were too big and loud, so I only kept them two decades replaced them with the canton stand mounted and 2 svs sb 1000 subs all in black which had a bigger footprint then the Snell's. lol lesson learned for her domestic tranquility is a two-way street.

rockadanny
1,222 posts
 

I would never buy used speakers without hearing them first. My current speakers were purchased as used, but only after listening at seller's home. My previous speakers were used as demos, which I purchased after hearing them at the dealer's establishment. Both transactions turned out as amazing deals, and loved both pairs for a long time.

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