I have been fortunate with my used equipment purchases, especially here on A-gon where I found a power amp and blueray player in great shape for reasonable $$$. In the past I always bought new and came around slowly to the idea of used gear.
Although, my Synchrony Ones were had for nearly half of what they originally cost, they were purchased used from a local PSB dealer who promised help if I needed service or warranty assistance. Also, I’ve had some bad luck shipping turntables and would be gun-shy about shipping speakers. A vote for local pickup or local dealer.
Finally, someone mentioned Axpona. Hi-Fi shows can be a great opportunity to hear a lot of different gear and to learn about all kinds of stuff. I would highly recommend a visit to a regional audio show. Make a day of it, or even a weekend. Hearing one great system after another opens your eyes (and ears) to what is possible. Your initial experience with B&W was impactful.
Imagine repeating that a dozen or more times in an afternoon.
