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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 2 responses by steve59

steve59's avatar
steve59
1,654 posts
 

If the speaker works now odds are it'll work another 20, so do you trust a stranger with your money? There could be a damaged driver that's squawking outside of their hearing ability or it was a gradual thing they adjusted to and don't notice. 

Often the cost of shipping + paypal +  agon fees can cause a used product to cost as much as the new thing will cost if you spend some time talking cash with a shop owner.

steve59's avatar
steve59
1,654 posts
 

I've had buyers drive from 400 to 900 miles to pick up a pair of used speakers and I've driven as much as 350 to buy a pair. Again, paypal is 4%, Agon is 4% shipping on a pair of floorstanding speakers on a pallet and insured will be expensive. Suppose we're shopping $20k speakers that we can find for $10k used, we're already at $800 in fees and say $1000 shipping curbside lift truck insured...now we're at $11800 or $8200 and still have to decide to trust the buyer/seller. If I want it I have a bank check drawn up and make the drive. If I'm not willing to make the drive I don't want it that bad or 1 of my local dealers comes down enough in price on the same product to get er done.

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