Buying Used Speakers
Want to get the group's thoughts on buying used speakers. The value proposition in many cases is compelling. However, there is a pretty good element of risk as well, even from reputable Audiogon sellers. What exactly does, "completely tested mean?" Or "performs flawlessly?" You don't in most cases get a warranty for starters and you're at the complete mercy of the adds and pics. Some of the sellers are broker dealers (with stellar reputations), so do they even know how they were treated? Prob not. Let's face it - the vast majority of condition ratings are based on the cosmetics IMHO.
Has anybody bought expensive speakers on AG or elsewhere? What questions did you ask the seller to help ensure they're as sonically good as cosmetically? Did you test them yourselves once you received them? Any good lessons learned would be much appreciated as well. I know for starters to get a complete description of how they're going to ship them. Thanks in advance!
@paulcreed I watched the UNITED PULVERIZING SERVICE guy free drop my brand new Wharfedale 12.4 speakers off the truck onto the driveway, then flip them end-over-end up my second floor stairs... Lucky all that was broken was one of the floor stands. Crutchfield was great about replacement for the broken part but they did send the wrong replacement first try, so still a big hassle for me. |
@carlsbad2 1+ I buy 2 year old lease return Volvos and do not expect perfection. The lack of perfection perfectly fits my bank account. |
I purchased my last few pairs of speakers new but have bought a number of speakers used over the years. Paradigm Studio 100, Klipsch CF 4 , KEF Ref 3, B&W cdm 1nt, Sonus Faber Concertino... All of them had one thing in common, I could not afford them when new. I purchased a pair of Klipsch Heresy II for my brother a little while back. Time capsule for $500. Some great speaker deals out there. Even better if they are big and hard to move!!! I prefer to buy speakers locally for the obvious reasons, confirming they work and avoiding shipping . I have dealt with TMR on several occasions and they are good to deal with. |
@celtic66 I've also enjoyed buying cars that already have their first scratch(es). |
