How many people here generally buy used?


Just curious. Most of my equipment I purchased new. My Firstwatt J2 was a demo that I swear was new. Outside of a DAC where latest tech may be desired, buying used (if a fair price) seems to be a great way to purchase something you normally would not be able to afford. Of course, condition, care of component etc needs to be taken into consideration

Thoughts?
aberyclark
I kinda fell in love with the Rotel 900 series decades ago. Liked the looks and availability on ebay. Only new piece is the 965 LE cd player because of moving parts for $600. I know this is pretty low rez compared to what you guys have but I couldn't even afford this at msrp. So under $1000 for almost $4000. It took much patience. Also got my "dream speakers"-mint B&W matrix 3, for $400 cash at a local store.
Most of my equipment is used, but lightly so. My Sonance amp and Rotel preamp are used and both from the early 90s. But both are so clean externally and internally, as well as sound, as to be like new in operation. Together, they cost $200. My Marantz 6500 series Tuner and SACD/CD player are 1994 and are also in appearance and performance as new-both for $110. My Yamaha sub and Cambridge sound works mini monitors are used and together cost me $80 through Craigslist. Both the amp, tuner, Cd player and speakers were bought locally and carefully. The preamp was mail ordered through ebay, again as carefully as one can. My self-moded Audio Technica tt and cartridge (At750) were bought new, and replaced my Philips Electronic (the speed was deteriorating and though these parts can be had on the internet, I really didn’t want to deal with that) and at440 cartridge. The local Wax Records, which sells some new and used equipment, took my turntable in trade towards a new one. It’s obvious that these days the used market is a difficult one because the home-grown audio shops of the past are gone (though the newly burgeoning record shops are carrying some used equipment), thus it takes more time and attention to detail to buy used now. All of it was an evolution as particular items either wore out or seemed wrong. Frankly, I can’t afford to buy what I would like New, but the process of understanding what to buy used, is not only fun but hugely rewarding.
Both. Used when ever possible. but some times, new technology and outstanding products are not available used (for years).
KNOWLEDGE + PATIENCE+ OPPORTUNITY + FAST ACTION = VALUE. Have bought  both new and used with this formula and sold from 1 month to 30 years later and recovered between 55% and 115% of what it cost. IE. bought new speakers for $7500, sold in 5.5 years for $7000; 
amp/preamp new at $800 & sold 15 years later at $700; other speakers new at $1,000 sold 30 years later at $800. 
All current system components both new and  used cost 62% of their retail price. Only the preamp and speakers were bought new... used just do not exist (yet). The pre was significantly discounted because it was a discontinued model, but still, no used to be found. 

If you select (target) wisely, sometimes you also just get lucky. I have found some sellers care very little about getting top dollar  or “what it is really worth if you have patience in finding a buyer who really wants it”...they just want it gone... fast... no hassles. Getting a great deal on great equipment is like finding a fantastic bottle of wine at an unbelievably low cost. It’s SO enjoyable! 

Classic equipment purchased used including Fisher 400 & 500 receivers, McIntosh MR67 and Kenwood 5700 tuners, a pair of Yamaha CR620s, pair of Yamaha 200 amps, all my speakers-Legacy Focus, Legacy Signature IIIs, ADS L620, Dynaco A-30, A-50, McIntosh mx110, Fisher 400cx I’ve sold half of the electronics already.

All my other equipment was purchased new.
I spent many years buying and selling used gear, figuring out my sonic preferences while living within my means. More recently moved to working directly with small boutique manufacturers to obtain new gear that gets me really close to what sounds best to my ears. At this point only my Ayre power conditioner is used, the rest was purchased new directly from the manufacturer (which, without markup, provides the price-performance ratio of used WITH warranty and post sale support) or from excellent dealers who will work with me on price.