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Guidelines for buying used speakers (as in, are there any?)

HI,

Can anyone offer up some suggestions or guidelines for buying used speakers?

Initially I thought 5 years old max, buy from original (and only) owner, half original retail.

But then ...

Found some nice Zu Omen Defs ($1350) but they've had 2 owners.

Also found some Vandersteen 2c signatures ($900 + $100 shipping) but they're 10 years old and, again, 2 owners.

So you can see my guidelines may be preventing me from getting very high quality speakers at a good price.

The Defs I can listen to and physically examine; the Vandersteens would be purchased online.

Thoughts and comments would be appreciated.
128x128jimspov
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,041 posts
 
jimspov-

Back in January of this year, I scored a sweet pair of Thiel speakers that I have been wanting to purchase for many years.  Always, inquire about the number of owners. Next, inquire about how the speakers have been stored and treated ( not in a garage, unfinished basement, storage facility) for example.  Finally, whom is selling- a fast buck, professional find-and-sell or a Music lover/Audiophile?

I am very fortunate, as my speakers, were (2) owners. The 1st was a dealer/retailer. 2nd is an Audiophile with an impressive dedicated listening room. In other words, these speakers rec eived the very best care, conditions with all original documentation.
ricred1
2,061 posts
 
I agree with Coli...price to condition. Determine how much you want to spend and what a fair price is for the condition of the speakers,
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

jimspov


First thing you should do, before a speaker purchase or taking any of the recommendations here, is to look at what your amp is able to drive. That should be mentioned here, before anyone can suggest anything. 

Then scour the internet for the impedance/-phase angle graphs of whatever speakers you are keen on, and see if your amp is able to do the job of driving them unhindered, and to the best of it’s ability.


Cheers George

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jzzmusician
156 posts
 
Yeah, read the feedback.  But that's no guarantee either.  I bought a pair of supposedly super fine Quad 2805s and one of the speakers arrived with a damaged panel.  A month trying to work it out, ( not really good, but I got some compensation) and 1k in repairs. 

Feedback is everything and if I did it again I would not only look at the feedback here, but elsewhere as well.  If there is even a hint of a problem, go away.

bob
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