What to ask when buying used speakers?

3 pair of used Maggie's 1.7, 1.7i and now 3.7i no problems. Do research on seller, I wouldn't buy a pair more than 5 years old, ask condition and if there were ever any problems.

Lot’s of a "worst case scenario"-mentality abounds here, though while I generally recommend buying used equipment I have only bought used speakers from dealers and pro dealers that I know very well and trust, and I’ve never encountered any problems here - one way or the other. Speakers are mostly quite sturdy; if there are no signs of misuse, neither visibly or audibly with a thorough inspection and test run, they’ll play fine for years.

I can understand the part concerning sole-ownership joy that comes from a pair of brand new speakers (I’ve been there several times), but through the years I’ve become less obsessed about owning new stuff (because I do find it often comes down to that: a kind of gadgetry obsession) and instead taken on a more pragmatic stance of the speakers + gear as "vessels" for enjoyment and experiences, and not as much as a gear-value in itself. Once the used speakers (and other equipment) I’ve bought have passed the tests/inspections and been properly implemented, they’ve felt like mine through and through and with no less of a feeling of satisfaction for what they have provided.

To boot: you’re smiling on the way to the bank having often saved a substantial amount of money. A friend of mine (a former electrical engineer) excels in buying up used quality equipment for pennies almost, and repairs it cheaply if necessary. Years ago he bought a pair of used Acoustat ESL speakers for less than $1,000/pair (now subs augmented, and still going strong since the 80’s), and coupled to the other quality components in the chain, also bought used, he has astounded many visitors with the sound it delivers - not least when they found out it represents a monetary value way below what they expected.

You are familiar with the house sound of the speakers you want and speaker you don’t want? So, you have a short list of speakers that you know you will like if received in good working order?

@bigtwin ,

“@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.  😁”

I’m lazy so anything large I have a real good pack and ship place close that is very reasonable. They also get heavy discounts from FedEx so the packing usually does not add all that much. I normally rate everything an 8 I’m selling if there is no noticeable imperfections. 7 if there is a couple SMALL things. Under that it’s Marketplace only listing and I want you to come see it before purchase. So far no one mad at me………. That I know of. 

@ghdprentice You are familiar with the house sound of the speakers you want and speaker you don’t want? So, you have a short list of speakers that you know you will like if received in good working order?

In this case yes, while I do not have an option to demo this model anywhere close, I am familiar with the house sound and confident I would like it. On the other hand, I have little experience with other brands, and am wondering what I might be missing. My master plan was to visit a show in the spring and do my best to eliminate those brands on my list that are not a fit, house sound-wise. Not the best place to do that, but I am confident I could whittle things down a bit.

Thanks everyone, lots of food for thought here. While this particular situation is with a reputable online dealer, the private sales experience and feedback is very useful. I will have to decide if I want to wait and hear some more speakers or grab a pretty good deal with relatively low risk.