Previous Ownership...does it matter to you?

Just like a used car, as long as it works well ,and as described  ,why not 

you save over 50% then if buying new .

An item that’s traded numerous times can indicate there’s something wrong with it.

For instance, there’s a Bedini amp that’s been repeatedly bought and sold, same serial number; it’s been bouncing around for a few years now.

Otherwise, the number of owners isn’t as important as whether it has been recapped or repaired.

Any indication of lying, or even of glossing over the truth, I’m gone.

I find with used equipment, in general, if it’s in fine condition and the seller describes it in detail as from one audiophile to another, it has not fallen into the hands of an owner or owners who don’t know what it is, and don’t respect it.

Also, never allow hope, or wishful thinking, or a good deal, or a rare opportunity, cloud your intuition.

The few times I’ve been disappointed in a used purchase have always in the final analysis come down to my going against my intuition.

Prndlus, you said it. You use your intuition. 
if I get an odd feeling about the equipment or the seller, I stop looking.

I think this is the heart of the question. It’s about integrity and trust. we each have our ways of evaluating a potential seller/buyer. I just prefer intuition. And then I follow up with dialogue and request for more pictures. If someone were to balk, or have an attitude, I would move on.

you can’t make a good deal with someone who isn’t acting in good faith.

If you want higher SQ for the $ then  buy used. Assuming there is a limit to your budget of course otherwise you can spend away!

Most of the time once you have zeroed in on your desired item

you can find one used, with a transferable warranty, 2-3 months old, 25-30% off 

MSRP. Requires some patience so if you have to have it yesterday you are 

a "new" buyer. 

Some people sell items before they have even been burned in. 

In which case the seller never heard his item at its optimum.

-Check the Shark, eBay, Craigslist in certain markets. Sometimes The Music Room.

-Ask the seller to see his purchase receipt.

-Call the factory with the serial# and see when it was made.

-Ship by Fed Ex Ground. Open an account to save a little. 

-Insure the purchase for at least 1/2 the value. 

-Only buy if the original boxing is available.

If you follow these rules you can usually resell

an item within the 1st year for what you paid,

If the previous owner was a saltine aficionado there could be a crumb issue.