What to ask when buying used speakers?


I have purchased used components in the past and I can do this with confidence their functionality is well defined and easily verified. I am starting to look for a new set of speakers and will consider buying used. Assuming that I am doing this over distance and will not be able to inspect or demo the speakers in person, what are some good questions to ask to determine the real state of the speakers? Any red flags? Can used speakers have incurred subtle damages or wear that will affect the sound? For the sake of discussion, let's assume that they are less than five years old so we can rule out decaying surrounds and old caps, etc.

zlone

Showing 1 response by mtbiker29

I agree with many others, forgoing used is silly especially with the lead time issues some manufacturers are still faced with.  You simply have to feel out the seller and let your spidey sense be your guide.  I'm batting 1.000 with my 3 purchases, of which 1 was a high-dollar-never-saw-them-in-person transaction.  I honestly wasn't worried in the least after talking to the seller and (admittedly) stalking him a bit once I had a name.  

Unrelated - someone brought up "pet free" what exactly are people afraid of with pets?  Is it cats and speaker grilles in particular?