Buying used vs new?

Old or new Quality gear sounds better AND is more likely serviceable and worth repairing in the unlikely event something pops up.  Tubes can be replaced and are part of the fun.  Well designed solid state can last for years and again if it's well designed it is usually serviceable.  if you buy a New amp or worse speakers and pay 10k and discover you're not happy after 6 months you are probably out 3k to 5k.  Big, heavy items are harder and more expensive to ship meaning your reselling market area is likely reduced AND keep in mind we are a dying breed.  Very few people invest in anything more than earbuds these days.  Being part of a dying breed has it's advantages when shopping for used gear.  It's not likely that the seller is getting multiple offers so if he wants to sell,  your reasonable offer will be compelling.  If you follow how long many great pieces stay on Agon you know what i mean.    

jgoldrick  I noticed you did not mention sound, and reliability.  I use reviews to cull the herd, and my ears for decision making.

There's an old joke: Why did God create Gentiles? Answer; Because someone has to pay retail! Well, I don't like paying retail so used it is. Once in a while, I've gotten lucky by owning the gear for several years and then selling it for what I paid. Who can argue with that? Joe

All of my equipment is used or floor model.

I had a guest over for the first time last night who is a professional classical musician/composer and leads a jazz ensemble and is also a recording engineer. He is my age (translation: an old dude).

He said that my system is the best home audio system he has ever heard.

And, I don't use expensive cables or speaker (not lamp wire, standard entry level Monster) wire.

Haven't bought anything significant new for decades. You can buy used (carefully) and save a huge amount of money - at least half.

Ask yourself - do you want to own a system with a total new cost of $100K some day?  Would you rather have it today for $25K or wait 20 years until you can afford to write that big cheque?