Buying used vs new?

Got tired of trying to read every reply. But I'd agree with 2/3 of the thread I read and add one caveat. Have you heard it in your system? Have you read reports of it working positively with your amp? If not, even at half price it will be a crap shoot. Not every preamp works with every amp. System synergy is of utmost importance.

The only new item I have purchased in 20 years is one cartridge. Everything else which includes at least 50 transactions was ALL used. The main factor with used is knowing what you are buying. That is the beauty of it! You can buy smart and resell if it doesn’t work out. Most of us take excellent care of our gear so outside of a few nasty people and/or smokers you are all good.....LOL.

I've bought used gear The Music Room in Colorado, tmraudio.com, where a technician checks it over before they sell.   This is a reasonable compromise between savings and reliability.  Whereas I buy my integrated amplifiers new because I want newer class D because of heat, ventilation requirements and low current draw on my old house's electricity.   

I buy used often, I’ll only buy something that is super clean and hope that it was taken care of.  
My last amps were used , paid half of what they were new and have enjoyed them for about eight years.  They still look like new and have been rock solid.  
Something very special has to coincide with me having some play money to buy new.