Should I buy Used?

[FguerraG]

Hi there!

I have been looking at speakers at Audiogon I have already scored some serious electronics from there but not quite sure if the same principle applies to speakers also how old is too old 2 years old 3 years old?

Should I hold until I can afford new?

please advise.

 

[mazersteven]

I have purchased used, and have scored some excelled deals on speakers.

Try to talk to the seller on the phone if possible. If the guy is like "Yo dude I only listen to Van Halen, and only at low volume levels" and he sounds like Jeff Spicoli. I would stay away.

 

[tomd51]

Purchasing used or recertified/refurbished allows you to a much better product than you'd typically be able to afford. I've had great results from doing just this.

As with any purchase like this, do your research, check to see how valid or reputable the seller is and if it sounds like way too good of a deal, it likely is... -TD

 

[Swerd]

2 or 3 years old is young for a speaker. It's amazing how many audiophiles keep changing speakers. You can pick up some good deals on Audiogon because of someone elses audiophilia nirvana nervosa.

The only parts on speakers that deteriorate with time are the foam surrounds, and that takes at least 15 years. Most speakers have rubber surrounds now, but those that do use foam have additives in the foam that slow down the rotting process.

 

[enrique]

Except for my first system everything i purchased has been used.1st used speakers were B&W 603s3's which were great,Had them for about 3 yrs.Then sold them and purchased a complete system audio setup,the mains sa1750's wre bought used and are fantastic.Big price difference between new and used.The sa1750's are 2,500 brand new i got them used(1 yr) for 1/2 the price.If it's been cared for i'll buy used every time.

 

[j_garcia]

IMO, used speakers tend to be a lower risk than used electronics.

 

[highfihoney]

Used is the only way to go but forget shipping,too expensive & dangerous,use the Audiogon zip code search function & be patient,also have cash on hand at all times & you'll score the deal of the century.

Speakers dont just go bad,forget all the BS about "lightly used",how the seller used his speakers is irrelevant,people who buy top dollar gear take care of it for the most part & know how hard to run their gear, as we all do,they are not idiots,so dont get caught up worring over how hard they were driven or why the seller is selling,all that matters is that they work properly when you buy them & they will take care of their selves.

Something to keep in mind about buying used speakers,they are not as easy to sell as electronics so sellers tend to give bigger discounts,when looking at used speaker ad's on Agon try to focus in on ad's that have been listed for over 21 day's & are marked as OBO,new ad's with just a few days on the market the sellers are still wide eyed kid's,thinking they'll get top dollar,after a few weeks the grim realization has set in, that in order to sell they are gonna have to deal.

Dont get caught up worring about warrenties either,speaker warranties are 100% useless,for a savings of 50% or better on high dollar speakers you'll easily afford a possible $100 tweeter replacement in the future.

 

[Duffinator]

IMO, used speakers tend to be a lower risk than used electronics.

As usual an excellent point. I have a mix of used/refurbished/and new. Having the original boxes for speakers and electronics makes shipping safer and helps hold their value a bit more. Never throw away boxes for any quality electronics and speakers with maybe the exception of TV boxes.

 

[FguerraG]

Excellent advice guys, thanks!

I will start making offers , let's see how this goes

 

[mazersteven]

Polk LSi9's

 

[MUDSHARK]

It's amazing how many audiophiles keep changing speakers. You can pick up some good deals on Audiogon because of someone elses audiophilia nirvana nervosa.

So that is what my disease is known as.

 

[Duffinator]

So that is what my disease is known as.

It's also known as upgradeitis.