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Guidelines for buying used speakers (as in, are there any?)

HI,

Can anyone offer up some suggestions or guidelines for buying used speakers?

Initially I thought 5 years old max, buy from original (and only) owner, half original retail.

But then ...

Found some nice Zu Omen Defs ($1350) but they've had 2 owners.

Also found some Vandersteen 2c signatures ($900 + $100 shipping) but they're 10 years old and, again, 2 owners.

So you can see my guidelines may be preventing me from getting very high quality speakers at a good price.

The Defs I can listen to and physically examine; the Vandersteens would be purchased online.

Thoughts and comments would be appreciated.
128x128jimspov

Showing 4 responses by jimspov

jimspov's avatar
jimspov OP
60 posts
 
Buying second hand has its challenges.

Zu Essence ... saw a set, good price very intrigued ... seller claims he's had a bad experience and doesn't want me coming to his house so I can audition them. Hmmmm

Zu Omen Def's - he'll let me audition but I personally only want to make sure they're working. I've never heard a Zu before, don't want to put his speakers through the ringers like i might at an audio store.

Vandersteen, Totem's - seen some that intrigued me online but that's buying totally sight unseen. Ug.
jimspov's avatar
jimspov OP
60 posts
 
2psyop -  I have the opportunity to purchase a 20 year set of 2s, seller says they sound pristine, said he took care of them "ike they were "another child" and rates as being in excellent condition - 9/10.

What kind of a lifespan do these speakers have? When would one typically expect degradation on the sound?
jimspov's avatar
jimspov OP
60 posts
 
Well I say this ... buying a new set of speakers is fun, and widening the field to include used speakers is way more fun.

Speakers otherwise out of my price range become available and that's exciting. 
jimspov's avatar
jimspov OP
60 posts
 
Billbartuska,

I think those are reasonable conditions.
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