Jim,
I'd like to disagree slightly with Twl. While the technology of actually making sound isn't new, the tools that designers have is. Metal, silk and Kevlar weren't used in dynamic speakers fifteen years ago, but are now. MDF is relatively new, as are the exotic cast materials that Rockport and Eggleston (?) use. Computer models for cabinets and crossovers are better. Some might argue that corssover components are better, though that may ba attributed to the realization that component quality is important to sound quality.
In addition, used speakers are like used cars in that you might inherit someone else's problems. Rotten surrounds on dynamic drivers, shorted or dicey ES panels, etc.
All that said, I've voted right with Twl in buying used. I bought used Apogee Stages over ten years ago and haven't looked back.
I'd like to disagree slightly with Twl. While the technology of actually making sound isn't new, the tools that designers have is. Metal, silk and Kevlar weren't used in dynamic speakers fifteen years ago, but are now. MDF is relatively new, as are the exotic cast materials that Rockport and Eggleston (?) use. Computer models for cabinets and crossovers are better. Some might argue that corssover components are better, though that may ba attributed to the realization that component quality is important to sound quality.
In addition, used speakers are like used cars in that you might inherit someone else's problems. Rotten surrounds on dynamic drivers, shorted or dicey ES panels, etc.
All that said, I've voted right with Twl in buying used. I bought used Apogee Stages over ten years ago and haven't looked back.