Unable to audition used speakers a problem

"minimize variability would be to audition speakers at such a volume where room modes would not effect the sound"

Rockadanny, Hello, room modes affect the sound at all volume levels. Of course it sounds worse as the music gets louder but it is still there at lower levels. This is one reason why I listen to my system at the same volume control setting for every recording, as you are setting up your system to the room acoustics, among other variables. This way you do not end up chasing your tail around adjusting this or that at different volume levels which affects the percieved sound.
Bob

I recently sold a very heavy and large pair of speakers on 'Gon. The Buyer was a local buyer ( Thank goodness!).
I left the speakers up and running and actually required an audition prior to purchase. Why, because of these reasons: I am not willing to move speakers weighing over 180 lbs each more than once, I am not giving a return policy, I want buyer to view condition of speaker and be sure that they function correctly at time of sale,I want something to listen to until they are sold( not buying next pair until same and therefore not kicking tires on my next seller); I want to encourage a local sale if at all possible.
The security issues and inconvenience are certainly valid points, however, when selling something expensive and large/heavy, sometimes a little inconvenience has to be put up with IMHO. The security issue is less of a concern for me, but this could be a more major factor for many, however, I think there are ways around this. One example, might be to insist that all auditions are done at certain times and with the man of the home present. Perhaps have a friend also present if security is still a concern. What I also insisted upon if the Buyer was intending on making me an acceptable offer was a non-refundable deposit to hold the speakers prior to full payment.
In my case, not having to ship out of area was a major benefit, so offering a local an audition for a local sale was really no inconvenience compared to having to ship over 400 lbs of speaker to a sight unseen buyer...:0)
Just IMHO.

>This is one reason why I listen to my system at the same volume control setting for every recording,<

I don't get how you can do this. Every recording has a volume level where it "locks in". For example, you wouldn't want to play simple "girl with guitar" music at the same volume as ZZ Top. How about classical chamber music at the same level as Holst's The Planets?

Wasn't it Ivan Tiefenbrun who said that every recording had one volume, and one volume only, where it sounded realistic, or something to that effect.

Oz

Daveyf: "I want something to listen to until they are sold...not buying next pair until same..."

This illustrates how personal circumstances can differ. I know a friend who had to buy his next speakers first because an opportunity presented itself and wouldn't have waited for him. He also didn't have room for both pairs.

The situation with the living space, spouce and kids is obviously too personal to have any general rules. Of course, even a person whose circumstances are tight can accommodate one serious buyer, but a steady stream of curious and interested audiophiles, many with their own sources and electronics, would be something else.

So, know your situation; deal with a buyer or seller who is compatible; politely but firmly apologize to the rest.

A few years back I bought a pair of speakers locally. I did not get an in-house demo because the seller had his new speakers properly setup in his room and did not want to move them and lose his fine tuned placement. So he suggested we take the speakers to my home, and we were able to audition them there. The price was right and it made an immediate sonic difference. He told me to get back with him over several days but after listening for 1 hour I was already willing to cut him the check then and there and I had no question that they would work in my room. It was rather nice of him to offer this, and I helped him lug them over.

My latest set of speakers which will arrive in a few weeks - I bought without demoing out of state. I did extensive research, talked to the owner, the speaker manufacturer, and others in several forums. These speakers are made by a small manufacturer with a strong cult following and I compared comments people made with other speakers that I was quite familiar with. I was evaluating buying a new pair when I found these on the GON. I bought lightly used (3 months) and was able to get many significant upgrades (custom finish, wiring, cabinet damping, etc) for the price of a standard pair. I'm sure these will work out and can't wait and in the remote chance that they don't work in my setup know I shouldn't have a problem selling them as there is a long waiting list for newly ordered speakers.

If I was really concerned and especially if I was buying new I would actually fly somewhere to demo them first.