I want to buy new speakers for 50,000 and see it used for 30,000, what should I do?

@unreceivedogma wrote:

It seems to me, judging from some of his comments in the thread, that he is trying to coax a discussion about the political economy of audio. Not in so many words, but that’s sort of it in a nutshell and that’s why I responded, because that’s an issue for me as well. Not the issue, an issue. And why I made it more explicit.

... imo the people who are saying he is not “real”, just don’t want to pursue what he is hinting at. Which is fine, but then why not just ignore it? Theres an unconscious thing going on here.

Agreed, and well put.

Essentially, if one lists the total price of the setup he/she owns that has been acquired with mostly used components and chooses to go by new retail prices, it rubs some people the wrong way because it’s not the price that reflects what they were bought for by the latest buyer. And yet the product is the same but simply changed hands on its way to the current owner, and if well-kept and used sensibly (and not excessive in age) will do its job just as well - on top of the likelihood of it being properly run-in.

Matters can be made worse or credibility lessened - that is, in the mind of the individual who insists on buying only new, expensive products, and as a rule lets price dictate quality - when a different, potentially lesser known brand from a different segment at a lower price is deemed the equal or (not least) better sounding equivalent compared to a range of more expensive alternatives, because it disrupts the saying that "you get what pay for" as well as the overall narrative of what constitutes audiophilia and the type of products used here.

Maybe, at the core of things, the issue appears to be that one who has less of a financial basis isn’t really "allowed" to have the same sonic experience as the more wealthy individual; if so the one with the lower income is essentially cheating or even lying and must be belittled for having bought used and/or (it is probably assumed) dubious, ill-regarded products. Meaning: he isn’t part of the club but just a poor(er) sap who couldn’t get by a claimed, good sound any other way.

If that sounds a bit dramatic and rather exaggerated, it likely is, and yet the subtlety of these mechanisms shouldn’t be ignored and underestimated; they’re right there alright, and you needn’t look too hard to see them for what they are.

@emergingsoul 

If you are such a fan of the virtual systems, where is yours?

Putting aside the issue of op's earnestness, you'd have to get EXTREMELY lucky to sell most 50K MSRP speakers for anywhere near 30K, even mint current models w/ transferrable warranty. 50K isn't the number you're competing with on most new sales. And those in the market for 50K+ speakers often want the paint to match their Porsche (etc). Private sellers can't always be trusted to pack & ship large speakers properly, often at a much higher rate than a dealer/manufacturer gets. And if that MK / version number increments up while waiting for the magic buyer, you're taking a much larger bath. The used audio gear market is tough right now, and selling speakers has always been harder than components. 

Please be considerate by not wasting our time.

What 'time' got wasted by the OP? We are mostly a bunch of semi retired/retired guys with deeper wallets, audio ocd and not a whole lot else going on in life...not too many Elon Musks around here working 18 hours a day right?

I purchased used Legacy Focuses and Signature IIIs after 20 years of stats. 

That's what I could afford for full range speakers without high power requirements.

Then I searched for my ultimate speaker I could afford (not the Von Schweikert Ultras I've heard).  During Covid there were a few remodeled VR9 SE Mk2s available from the factory for $50,000.  I ended up purchasing a updated, warrantied newly rewired pair with new Foundation (reliable) sub amps for $62,500 in mint condition from a private party who traded them in to the manufacturer's rep.  I am overjoyed with the purchase.  I stopped looking for speakers for my custom listening room.  I am looking for a similar or better quality speaker for my living room (my current Sig IIIs are painted black walnut) in pearlized white or deeper red tone like red cherry, rosewood, mahogany. etc. (the room is pink, gold and off white).  The cost to repaint is about $4,500 to $5,000 or find a wood pair (cheaper when available).  That's my story.  I am not considering market value or resale value.