@zlone I have purchased used speakers in the past and have had no problems. Acoustic Zen Crescendo MK ll, and a set of Focal Sopra 2 were the last two sets. Not cheap speakers. In both cases, using email and video calls, I was able to get a good feel for the seller, hear the speakers being used, and have the seller slowly walk around the speakers in good light, showing every aspect of the speaker in detail. I could confirm the original packaging was available and the condition. After agreeing on the shipper, there was no reason to believe they would not arrive as described. And they did. Speakers get shipped around the world by manufacturers every day. No reason to think the used speakers will be damaged in shipping, and you fully insure just to be safe. Do your due diligence, and you should be fine. IMHO
What to ask when buying used speakers?
I have purchased used components in the past and I can do this with confidence their functionality is well defined and easily verified. I am starting to look for a new set of speakers and will consider buying used. Assuming that I am doing this over distance and will not be able to inspect or demo the speakers in person, what are some good questions to ask to determine the real state of the speakers? Any red flags? Can used speakers have incurred subtle damages or wear that will affect the sound? For the sake of discussion, let's assume that they are less than five years old so we can rule out decaying surrounds and old caps, etc.
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I like and use @bigtwin ’s approach. Also no feedback or bad feedback ratings I won’t pursue at all. I’ve probably bought 15 used speaker pairs and never had an issue with a single one. Probably only half were shipped, the rest were driveable. |
@mofojo Whenever I've been the seller of speakers, they have always left my home like this. Overkill? $100 and a couple hours of my time. Only happy buyers at the other end. 😁
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Aside from the usual cosmetic, function, and seller's history, I'd ask if anything had ever been repaired or modified, or has any abnormalities when pushed hard. Hopefully they'll answer that they never pushed them hard, and wouldn't know. If there was a repair or mod, I'd want to know as many details as possible. |
@ellajeanelle people who want more for their money and have a limited budget will take the risks. I had been burned by vendors more than by private parties. Honestly, from individual sellers everything arrived in a better condition than described, so far and all my buyers have said the same. Some vendors want to/have to move their products whatever way they can, scratched, damaged, and I spent way more time arguing with them than with individuals. My time is valuable too. |
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