Use escrow service to pay for speakers?

Seller on what website?

You can check the seller's feedback.

If you use PayPal you are covered as well as with many other platforms such as eBay, and Amazon.

Most credit card companies and banks also cover you.

Audiogon .

Feedback is not always a reliable resource, I've heard.

I have not registered with Paypal. In fact do virtually zero online banking.

Hoping to pay by a secure method.

I doubt individuals use cards? Will check that, thanks.

Lots of ways to pay by a secure method. Many fewer to recieve by a secure method.

With the amount of scams going on, using a more secure electronic payment system is best. At least there is some assurance you can recover your money in fraud. Cash in hand and travel is best. 

PayPal does offer some protection but it's limited to the honesty of the seller.   Google top ten PayPay scams for an eye opener.  Conversations with the seller.  Video calls to view and hear the equipment.  Asking to see the original invoices.   In the end,  if  you get a good feeling, it's still a leap of faith.  Your due diligence will usually tell you if proceeding is the right move.  Best of luck.

Sounds like you're interested in buying from an individual, so that leaves methods like credit cards out. Tough one if it's for substantial money and you can't do a person to person transaction. Sometimes it's best to err on the side of caution if it's a leap of faith you're not comfortable with. Better to lose out on an item than lose all your money.

How much are you willing to wager?

I've bought well into six figures of equipment (not just audio) from individuals over the years and generally pay by wire/F-F/or other fee free method.   Do your own diligence and know that you aren't dealing with a scammer.  It's that easy.   Of course losing "thousands" would not change my life.  But I have saved many thousands in fees.

Don't let horror stories on the internet convince you that everyone is a scammer and you're not smart enough to tell the difference.

Jerry

Its unfortunate the USA doesn't have E-transfers like we do in Canada makes this so much easier than dealing with third party payment systems like PayPal. But in my experience dealing with buyers and seller in the US is to make sure you have a good feeling about the person and demand at a min phone call and preferably video call showing the items being discussed.  Also if they are not on a reputable site with feedback, like here or USA/Canuck audio mart that makes things questionable, I do not consider E-bay a reputable site anymore.,  And not "I joined last week and I have one persons feedback" types. 

Once the resale value for equipment dropped, I started using on-line stores for new and used equipment. For used, I like TMR- The Music Room.  Trading in my old gear usually gets me more than I would by selling it myself.  Also, I don't have to worry about getting ripped off.

1. join paypal.

2. fund your paypal account with your best credit card. big purchase, call your credit card first, confirm their 'fraud' coverage. They keep a record of that inquiry in their system.

3. ask questions, get answers in writing, within the system you are using, i.e. eBay, PayPal, Reverb ... so you have a record of buyer's answers/assurances to you.

4. get an invoice from seller to you via Paypal, for the item, i.e. the invoice is for 'goods and services' which are covered by paypal protoection (sending money to friends or family is not protected).

5. you may need to pay seller the 'extra' cost of paypal, i.e. +3%, but it is worth it for protection, I offer that up front when I want something and seller is reluctant .... once I split the 3% with seller.

6. insurance: seller buys insurance on your behalf, however, any claim will need to be documented by you/shipper's regional office, then returned to seller's shipper who has to verify the damage.

IOW, insurance is wise, but not quick or sure, Canada UPS sold my seller insurance, he put the word 'vintage' in the description. Claim: they said not covered, they do not insure 'antiques'. So, he lost, had to refund me out of his funds, luckily he did, took a while,

I had to start with PayPal, then start credit card's 14 day clock for a fraud claim, then credit card would make a claim to PayPal and PayPal would threaten to close sellers PayPal account. Told him that, he refunded me.

Thanks for helpful comments. I've determined using Escow.com is the way I will go.Interestingly the seller pulled a 'bait & switch' , with excuses of course :) . So I'm still shopping :)

Good that you were careful!

As a seller I won't ship without the money to a private party and as a buyer I only shop in an area I'm willing to drive to. Consider paypal fees and shipping costs and it's often just as cheap as working with a local shop.