I want to buy new speakers for 50,000 and see it used for 30,000, what should I do?

@helomech "I happen to know where I could go get a pair of Acora SRC-2s for at least 30% off."

Good disclose where.

You keep acting like you’ve made this 25% off deal in store so give the facts on your deal - brand, model, dealer. Post your system with pictures while you’re act it so we have the proof. Dealers make 20-30% deals on lines they are moving out of and on demos. Reading adds isn’t making chest puff deals.

BTW those Acora's aren’t $50K speakers - $37K

@emergingsoul ​​​​​,

What brand speakers are you agonizing over. 

@emergingsoul do you like saving money? Buy used from a trusted seller and you should have no issue

And we wonder why so many dealers have gone out of business in the last decade.

"I demand 20% off or I'm walking!" 

"Buh-bye."

So again what $50K speakers have you gotten your  25%, opps 20% deal on.
 

I happen to know where I could go get a pair of Acora SRC-2s for at least 30% off. 
 

It’s as though you guys don’t even peruse the ads dealers often place here on Audiogon, yeesh…

Ya @helomech what speakers! I only got 10 percent off mine. 😢

 

Wilson, Rockport, Raidho, Sonus Faber, ATC, Focal, KEF, Magico….too many to list. 

Unless you’re buying a factory-direct brand, 10% is not a good deal I am sorry to say. Keep in mind that MSRP is typically between 80 and 100% more than dealer cost. They have plenty of wiggle room. 
 

But don’t take my word for it, try calling around to a couple dealers and negotiating the price on some of the aforementioned brands. 

 

 

Ya @helomech what speakers! I only got 10 percent off mine. 😢

"

I was pleasantly surprised to see so much good advice hear.  Many analogies have been made, but at the risk of repetition, let me revisit one. Are you an enthusiast or do you have casual interest in audio? How much do you love and value music?  If you're like me, music is one of those things that makes life so rewarding.  To reuse the automobile analogy; if someone is an auto enthusiast and has been dreaming of the perfect car for him/her, then you want the car to be the right color, have the right engine, and possess your favorite options. Sure, when you drive the new car off the showroom floor you lose money on the used market. But are you purchasing the car for its value on the used market or purchasing it for the pride of ownership and the value of the ride and the thrill you get?  High end audio is the same way, perhaps even more individual and emotional.  Buy the speaker you want brand new. Get the color you want and the model that gives you that thrill. Not only is there pride of ownership, but there's the music that will be coming from these beauties and gracing your home!  That's why we love audio!

I've been out of the audio market 50 years, and my hearing isn't what it used to be, but I can see my 1977 vintage speaker foam surrounds are blown out, not worth repairing [again].  So while shopping speakers, wondering if I should change out the lamp cord for 'better cables.'  

What happened to measuring the capacitance, inductance, resistance, and shielding of cables?  

^ Just go to any dealer slinging $50K+ speakers and ask them their out-the-door price. If they don’t offer you a minimum discount of 20%, I highly suggest seeking out a different dealer. If you think paying full retail is the norm, they’re laughing when you walk out the door. 

@helomech  What specific  $50k speakers have you gotten 25% off? 

Pre-owned $50K speakers for the price of $30K is likely not a good deal with the vast majority of brands. Consider that it’s not uncommon to get a >/=25% discount on brand-new pairs in that price range. Only chumps pay full retail on $50K speakers. 

@lanx0003 

I like this comment, especially a lot.

 

If you are sure it is your end-game speakers -> buy NEW

If you are NOT sure it is your end-game speakers -> Buy used and flip it later if you are not satisfied.

Is the finish acceptable? Not just the condition of the used pair, but the wood veneer or the paint choice by the original owner. Is it something you would choose for yourself? I'd be up for cherry in a used Treo CT for example, but I would pass on maple or zebrawood. At your level of cost you should certainly find the finish that calls to you.

However, if you save the 20k and go used, you can later find greater justification in trading up/over to something else. If you are a well-heeled experientialist taking a tour of the good stuff, then buying used opens more doors to whatever might call to you down the road.

On the other hand, if you are a perfectionist working toward the best of all possible systems in your space and setup, and you are not one to make changes every few months, then perhaps purchasing new is the best way to go.

Part of the fun is in the aesthetic of the choice, in my opinion.

Maybe I'll add to your woes here. 50% depreciation someone said? That's if you're lucky. Many or most speakers won't fetch 25% of their retail price. The audio market is as finicky and fickle as any. If a manufacturer goes out of business and your unit has proprietary components or drivers, you could be SOL as well.

Therapy about speakers. It's all finally starting to make sense now. I’ve always thought that something was a little off, and now I understand. It’s harmless I guess. He’s not hurting anyone and seems to be a nice guy.

Unless you can cure your neuroses, buy the new pair.

Your doubts about the used pair are going to haunt you and ruin the experience.

Godspeed to us all

Over and out

There are aps you can download on your phone that will map dB and frequency across the whole frequency range if you don't trust your ears.it will let you know if there is a deficiency.  Dont worry about 10 speakers  there like your kids hard to let leave the nest .people collect alot of things cars,boats,art ect a hobby is good for the brain it keeps it active.music calms the beast in all of us.enjoy the music and life.kee us posted as to what you do some of us live vicariously. Thx

The speakers I’ve bought used have always been from dealers I know very well and trust. Never had an issue here; those speaker all performed flawlessly and looked mostly new. My current EV pro cinema speakers I bought used from a cinema technician in Germany that I didn’t know (they’d been used in a cinema in the Hannover region), but after some phone calls, e-mail exchanges and looking over his sales history at Ebay Kleinanzeigen, and not least upon receiving the thoroughly packaged speaker pallet and after rigorous inspections and tests once set up, I came to realize everything was A-OK and in perfect condition and working order. Worked like a charm ever since.

I’d concede that buying used speakers privately wouldn’t be my first option. I can certainly understand the concern in many, not least with expensive speakers, that would ultimately keep them from buying used speakers privately, but having said that: if I would get to inspect and audition the speakers thoroughly at the seller prior to purchase, and if the gut feeling told me I was having a conversation with an honest and level-headed guy, I might consider it. Still, haven’t been there so couldn’t say.

Which brings me to:

@ghdprentice wrote:

Some guys would be proclaiming what a genius they were for getting such a bargain and they would love that every time they sat down and listen to them.

For one, I’d rather pay less than more for the same product or what would grant me the same or better overall sound - wouldn’t you? I might suggest it could also be the other way ’round with regard to what you propose: that those who’ve been shelling the more or less full dime on a pair of brand new high-end speakers might be sitting content in their listening chair and feel all proud about themselves (and a bit better than others) knowing they could afford those new and very expensive speakers.

I know the feeling of unpacking and setting up new speakers and the joy it evokes, but at the end of the day all that matters to me is how it sounds, and sometimes what sounds the best or has the particular sonic traits one is looking for isn’t new stuff, the most expensive, preassembled, of smaller size, fancy looks, from a known brand and hifi segment or what is otherwise readily available at a store somewhere, so whatever it takes with an open mind.

To me the primary concern would be getting the most of what I want within a given price range, and ’new’ as a vital parameter would seriously impede with that goal.

Issue 1: Condition of Used Products

Either audition and inspect the product before purchase or buy from a trusted dealer like The Music Room or a dealer that sells the brand where they accurately describe condition and have return policies.  
 

Issue 2: Depreciation 

Yes, speakers depreciate 50% out of the box.  Many respected brands seem to be selling for 35-40% new.  Do your research on this site and the other sites to determine a bid.  Prices will be at least 10% higher if you use a respected dealer rather than a private sale.  
 

I had much success purchasing a used pair of speakers in your range.  
 

 

Apparently you’ve many more questions than possible answers, sounding like a discombobulated post, try a new therapist before dropping 50 large..Lol 

And yet you still don't name these mystery speakers.

 

My therapist tells me I have trouble making decisions. All the answers above have been very helpful and probably saved me a lot of money on therapy and I need extended session visits because 60 minutes is never enough time.

Audio component choices are never easy.

My biggest fear is the size of the speaker right now. This is why I raised a question previously about moving speakers around. I think I found a solution with some creative tools that may be able to position the speaker on a platform with low profile casters. And still allow me to retain spikes which is very important.

The problem with a used speaker is that you never know whether anything has happened that’s impacting what you’re hearing and you will be haunted by this thought forever. Fortunately if i ever had to get rid of them I know there are people out there that would probably take them as used and would be very happy. I tend to keep everything I buy and that’s why I have 10 speakers in my house right now and probably would be good to get rid of a few of them although thats difficult.

If I get a good price I’ll probably buy it new. I’ve got a very good dealer I work with.

Before I make the change I decided to replace a whole bunch of small tubes on my amplifier to see what that does and then proceed with a new purchase of speakers.

 

 

 

I love the responses to these questions they make me laugh and I find humor.alot of medical literature is full of laughter helps the immune system .keep safe and healthy.

@emergingsoul - this decision is personal as both have positives and negatives, only you can decide if “new” is preferable to “used”+ save 20k.  What we would do based on our budgets and preferences is not important to your financial situation and preferences- it’s your money to determine what “you” should do.  Only you can decide if spending an additional 20k for brand new is worth it.

For myself, I’d be tempted to buy new if it was at a deep discount , plan to keep long term or endgame, or there aren’t much quality used offerings.  Otherwise, I try to buy used to stretch my limited funds.  

@emergingsoul so many questions have been asked yet radio silence from you. So tell us more about what current electronics you have? Are you into vinyl or just digital? What's your current speakers? And biggest question is what 50k speakers are you considering?

@deep_333 the general consensus here is that if one has a zillion to spend on a piece of audio equipment, stones in a box, diamond cable lifter, etc. it doesn't matter how meaningful or meaningless it is. The scope is burn that zillion 

 

Spend the $30,000 used then use the $20,000 to feed A LOT of malnourished kids...

Hmm, indeed...., if he had a Mofi sourcepoint 888 ($5000) set up on high caliber electronics and some 50k speaker sounded a bit turdy thereafter (i.e., in audit comparison), there is a decent probability that $45,000 could make it to some unfortunate young lads.

MORE?????

I’d say go for closed back headphones given your previous complaints about noisy weed wackers distracting your daily listening.

Maybe analogous to considering a used car.  Check over the item in person, do all of the features perform properly, how are the cosmetics , dings, dents, scratches,etc.  Was the item exposed to tobacco smoke.  As more specifically to used speakers remove covers and inspect the drivers, cones, surrounds, etc. Then take it for a test drive (listen).  In the end as we say here often, buy what makes you happy.

Unless you have a very large room I think you reach the point of diminishing returns around $25K.  

I would be curious about a blind test result for sure. I would 100% fail to name the more expensive speaker in a small/mid-size room.

I'm more concerned about whether the rest of your system warrants these speakers.  Are they a good match to the rest of your rig?

@willywonka was it a serious question?

I got my perlisten towers very lightly used at 40% off list. If you like saving $, it’s the way to go. 

1. capture picture of speakers you want to purchase

2. stick it to the door of your refrigerator with magnets

3. wait for sometime looking at the image daily and your dream will come true.

@emergingsoul   Come on buddy!!!  This is one that you'll just have to go figure out for yourself.  Who in the world can answer all these personal preference questions for you?  You'll just have to get up off your rump and do the legwork, research and auditioning for yourself.  Also, who cares how much you spend on speakers?  I mean, come on, buddy.  Why are you asking us?  Just go get it done!!!  Happy listening.   

If you want to play with gear at that level but have to seek internet advice about taking possible financial  bath...

You can't afford it.

JUST MHO.

Used gear is negotiable. Get the $50K speaker for 1/2. They just won't be current, but still relevant. 

@incorrigable Can you explain this belief in greater detail?

Unless you have a very large room I think you reach the point of diminishing returns around $25K.  

Wow. Ever hear of periods or punctuation?

I have bought almost all of my speakers used I made a trip throughout the United States and listened to them .for the ones I got cold sight unseen I go to reputable  dealers like the music room upscale audio crutchfield that have a return policy .the problem I have is fed ex put thier forklift through my wilson maxx and that's sad they still have not paid. Enjoy the music.if your old is worth extra cash then do it you worked hard for it .I fiberoptic scope patients  who want to be at peace  just knowing they don't have cancer.to them it is worth it.stay healthy

1. WHAT speakers? You never said.
2. Everything depreciates. And speakers at that price level are boutique, not appealing to very many consumers. Most people buying them are rich enough that they are NOT "stretching" their budgets to buy them, so they’ll buy new, sight unseen and likely they’ve never even heard them. They are buying them on some dealer’s recommendation. I recall the story on here of Elon Musk blowing the hell out of some speakers or amps because he didn’t have a clue. He was just wanting good sound for playing video games.
3. If you want to save $20K, spend a day and go see and hear them in person. Play them well with music you know at various volumes. Examine drivers, cabinets, smells, grilles, everything.
4. How will they be shipped to you? Buy the damned insurance and insure them for $100K, just in case.
5. Everyone has price ranges they are comfortable with. If you were considering $50K, but now have pauses because in 18 months they are only worth 60% of new, then I wouldn’t buy them.
6. Does depreciation really matter? If you bought them at $50K and kept them 10 years, what is the problem? Will these be your "end game" speakers?
7. I often see old 1980s and 1990s "vintage" speakers going on Reverb for MORE than they cost originally, factoring in inflation. People are dumb or too nostalgic if they cough up that money for something 30 years old with questionable crossover components.
8. OK, so you found ONE seller asking $30K for them. That doesn’t necessarily mean there are 20 people out there that would sell them so quickly for that amount. You don’t know the person’s reasons for selling them. Maybe their dog peed on the drivers. Or, maybe they are going through some tough times and need cash and are willing to take a hit to get that cash. Maybe there’s another "plaything" they want to buy more important to them than these speakers.
9. Life is short. Make a decision and go with it. Either way it isn’t the end of the world. Enjoy.

If the product is available on the used market you'd be a fool for not looking at least. 

Not a good feeling paying 50g for something that your expected to realize a 20g opened box devaluation. Given today’s market not even caring what brand or model I highly doubt they were worth 50 when new. At that price one would think you’ve spent Considerable time listening and like what you hear. If the money is there and cost doesn’t matter… It doesn’t matter. If you’re feeling pressure and sitting on a shaky fence perhaps that budget is telling you something. Definitely a personal thing, good luck with that.

Cheers

I saved 13k on my current used speakers. Only reason I did it is I was able to drive to the seller and check the speakers out before purchase. But getting them shipped without checking them out, count me out. Items under 5k maybe.

Some people will only buy new cars, then they are afraid to use them or move for fear of getting a mark or ding on their new vehicle. Others prefer to buy their vehicles used and pre marked for a substantial savings and they immediately enjoy their car, going everywhere and doing everything. Everything depreciate, new or used. New drops faster initially but levels off soon enough. The coin is yours to do with as you please, which of course makes the choice between new and used yours alone. Are you a new pristine item only person, no matter the cost, or are you a pre owned person to obtain the same kind of item at a good savings? Rather than asking online I would suggest you have a good long talk with the guy in the mirror. After all only you and he know your budget, your wants and your preferences.

Given speakers having moving parts if want to see them 1st and know how old they are.

You never answered the question. What are those $50,000 speakers?