buying used speakers

Jsbail- Sounds like you've done your research. I would make sure they are shipped in original boxes and insured. Paying by credit card through escrow service should protect you from most abuses. If you get original (not photo copy) sales slip and photo showing matching S/N, that would be additional protection. I understand your reluctance given the high cost; you might have more piece of mind by talking directly to seller on phone. At that price, he/she shouldn't have a problem giving it out to you. Let us know how the escrow service experience goes if you go ahead. I have not used one yet, but seller I am currently buying a relatively low cost item (<$100) wants to use one at his expense. Go figure. In sum, as Carl said, it seems as though you have made up your mind, and it also seems that you used all reasonable precautions.

Thanks Carl and Swampwalker for the input. I just wanted to bounce this off someone before I did this. I have spoken to the seller on the phone a few times. He told me where he bought them-so I called the dealer and he confirmed the sale. The photos look good so I am (excuse the pun) committed. BTW they are Proac 3.8's

You're welcome. Let us know how it plays out.

Dammit, I wanted ProAc 3.8's, but can't afford them. It's like me asking you if it's alright if I just bought some Genesis 201's for $16k...the owner signs his name in blood, that I'll love them, but I'm still not sure...Also, Sandra Bullock wants to date me, but I'm just not sure if she's famous enough to go to all that trouble...blah blah. GOOD LUCK, I BET YOU'LL LOVE THESE!! The finish alone on all Response series speakers makes me crazy!

Speakers arrived yesterday. They are perfect. The cherry veneer even matches my built in bookcases which helps with WAF. Bass is deep and tight. Soundstage is wide and open. Voices have chest and throat. I can even listen to all those bad recordings made by people on drugs for people on drugs in the late sixties and early seventies without ear bleed. I think I will have these speakers for a long time. I used I-escrow for the transaction. You can specify the length of time you want to inspect the merchandise before notifing I-escrow to pay seller, or if you want to ship it back. Takes a lot of the risk of buying used gear site unseen, and I will use it in the future for any substantial purchases. My winter project to design a decent room for these babys.