Buying Dealer Demos

Kirk930, how do I know if they have been abused or not? If they sound good now, does that mean they're ok? I am also aware that as demos, many people will want to see how loud they can go, etc., resulting in a lot of hard driving. Am I being overly concerned? This dealer seems like a good guy, but I just want to be careful.

It really depends on how old they are when you buy them and if as above was stated the abuse it received from someone playing around with it other than perhaps the dealer. Time not usage is what deters a speakers performance in the way of foam rot and corrosion of parts.

As long as they had quality equipment driving the speakers I dont think you have anything to worry about. My speakers were a display model and not only did I not have to break them in but I saved thousands.

Unless they have physical damage that effects their appearance, I would prefer the used speakers. Broken in and money in my pocket.

Dealers that play to excessive levels and continually return their demo models to the factory for repair would soon be on the **** list with the manufacturer.

Besides, you said they were very high quality speakers, the dealer probably is too.

Your concerns would in theory apply equally to any used product, not just dealer demo's, so maybe we should be surprised to find you on the A-Gon! Seriously though, if they sound fine (with an ear to each driver) and look fine (with the grilles off), and you have a manufacturer's warranty, stop worrying and enjoy your new speakers. I bought both my Thiel speakers and my C-J amp as demo's with warranties from different dealers, was able to audition them both at home with return privileges, saved a lot of money, got wonderful performance, and when service was needed down the road, got it covered at no charge by the manufacturers (and this even though the problems, strictly speaking, were in all probability not the results of manufacturing defects) . What's not to like?