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.
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!
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Dear @cubbiesman : Buy a speakeofless than 5 years old has almost no risk from a wellknow seller/good feedback customers and like with new cars that after the first year his price is 50% down the new price. With usedspeakers you can buy away better speakers that what you can afford for a new ones.
Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS, R. |
I would not trust FedEx,UPS to ship floorstanding speakers no matter how nice the box is. Light monitors have a better chance in a soft foam skeleton double boxed, dense foam can lead to issues. Heavy dense small boxes are prone to damage, heavy monitors or subwoofers are bad risky. If you can ask the seller to send pictures of packing process or boxes to be used might give a little reassurance.
Ive been buying on Audiogon for over 15 years and have never been ripped off. Knock on wood. Way back when no one was using PayPal it was all USPS money order. PayPal was used on eBay.
I find most people with good feedback are honest good people that will go out of there way to have a smooth transaction. |
@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. |
- 52 posts total