Used vs. new

Back in the good old days, when there were hifi shops, where I could hear, see and touch, I bought both new and used.  Now I buy mostly new and that’s been a crapshoot, especially with shipping costs going up and up.

I have bought ex-dem a few times with success and a good discount.

Best was Krell KRS200s upgraded by Krell to 400 watts per side.  They were only one-third of retail around 1991.  They were about 4 years old then.  I had them re-furbed incl replacing all the caps around 2008 at a cost of £3,500.  They are going strong.

Also Martin Logan CLX Anniversaries at about one-third off retail in 2012.  Last year I had them cleaned internally by the importer, one driver and some caps replaced, £1800.  They are now like new.

And yes, I would take the 802 D3s.  I had the original 801s (bought new at inception of the model) for many years before the MLs.

Ex dem may be better than second-hand as you buy from a dealer and get a warranty.  A good way to buy high-end stuff safely and save $$$$$.

Buying used can be better than buying new. Frequently, new innovations that sound great upfront have caveats down the road. New materials that are supposed to be better turn out to be inferior in a couple of years. Premature deterioration for instance. I have a set of Polk model 10's from 1979. They have held up remarkably well and still sound good. You can't tell what the track record of anything is going to be until as least five or ten years later. If I audition a pair of ten year old speakers that sound great (and the company is still in business) AND I get them for 1/3 the price, it's a win for me. Everything I have is used. I even married a women who has three kids. Joe

It’s the same issue with automobiles, so when you can come to terms with that you can with this. 

I heard the big B&W speakers at Axpona with McIntosh gear and they sounded amazing! There is also a dealer 30 min away and they sound great there too. I think you will be happier with the larger version 802s. Good luck !