Unable to audition used speakers a problem

>Prefer to audition because IMO speakers are more difficult to evaluate than other gear when they have not been heard.<

Rockdanny,

I see your point, BUT, the speakers in question (any speakers, really) are not going to sound the same in YOUR room with YOUR equipment as they did at the previous owner's home. You strike me as someone who puts little credence in the importance of front end equipment. Hell, my son has an old pair of Polk Monitor 7s in his bedroom that I can make sound fantastic in my big rig. Do they sound that great in his system? No, only average.

Ok, now let's say you have taken ALL your components to the seller's house. Better, but still no cigar. Room acoustics will also drastically change the sound. So either you end up buying a great pair of speakers that sound like crap in YOUR room, or you pass up a great pair because they sounded like crap in HIS room. That's a no win situation if ever there was one.

I agree with what was mentioned before. Buy the best speaker you can for your $$ on the used market and sell it on the used market if it doesn't cut it for you. Beyond that, only buy from a dealer if he lets you bring them home first, or you feel confident that your environment will be better suited to said speakers. In the end, this type of dilemma is what keeps Agon flourishing.

Oz

I like Unclejeff's comments about qualification. Why not apply the same considerations we use to filter on line prospects to the evaluation of local suitors? Feedback should certainly come into play as well as knowledge and comportment.
You can stop by my house for an audition anytime, Unclejeff.

Interesting discussion and good points made by both buyer and seller. I'm actually looking for another pair of speakers and would like to buy used (and local) and being as such would appreciate hearing said speakers, but if that's not possible, at least being able to actually physically examine the speakers before purchase. Now I do understand from the seller's point of view about "tire-kickers", "strangers coming to house", issues. One thing I've thought about offering to a seller is a "non-refundable" audition fee ($20 or so) to cover the seller's inconvenience for "unboxing" and setting up the speakers for audition, and this fee would be sent in advance of the audition. If I actually do buy the speakers, then the fee would be applied to cost of the speakers. If I didn't buy, then at least seller has gotten something for their time and efforts, and no doubt, this would help get rid of the "tire-kicker" crowd. Any thoughts on this approach?

Cleaneduphippy:

Whatever works for a specific seller/buyer pair.

By circumstances or temperament, some people may welcome serious auditioners and the opportunity for audiophile chat, while others (or their families) may find the imposition too much. I have been in both situations.

Your solution is somewhere in between. I see no harm in proposing it in your communications, whether you are a buyer or seller.

BTW I would also consider it fair if dealers demanded an audition fee like this. That would take away the sting of demonstrating to someone who then buys online.

Rockadanny, I have purchased more than a few pairs of floor standers and for all but one pair they've been local pick up. When selling them I have always insisted on pick up or delivery. Have yet to ship a large speaker. Damage is my primary concern.