Buying used speakers

[SDBlu]

Just wanted to see what your guys thoughts were about buying used speakers. I am looking on craigslist and seeing various ads, cant tell for sure though if it would be a good deal or not...below are some of the ads i have questions on...let me know what you think...or should i save up to buy new?

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/ele/809927118.html

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/ele/815398637.html

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/ele/806031336.html

these are just some examples...

[arush5268d]

I wouldn't even think about the first link.

[Beta Man]

The 3rd link scares me..... sounds like those "$49 each" polk towers that Fry's (was it frys?) was selling...... $400 for a pair of speakers "new in box" and he can't tell you the model???? hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm


The second link... same thing.... what model? He says they retail for $3,600 and are "new" well.... first off...

1) on craigslist, don't tell me what retail is, b/c you ain't no retailer!!!

2) if they're new, and "fell off of a truck" so be it.... but the price better reflect that.

3) if they're yours, you should know the models.... and if you know what the "Retail" price is, you should provide a link (then I guarantee you will find them cheaper after a quick google search)




The first link is the only one I trust, and that's just because the person obviously has NO CLUE..... and I don't see any red-flags with a $25 center channel.


EDIT: anyone know how to get into the album from the second link
?

[Scooby Blu]

"For sale: a superb, match set of spanking new Polk Audio surround sound speakers. They are very expensive and I'm offering them at a huge discount"

Do I smell STOLEN ??

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Scooby Blu

"For sale: a superb, match set of spanking new Polk Audio surround sound speakers. They are very expensive and I'm offering them at a huge discount"

Do I smell STOLEN ??

That wouldn't be the part that concerns me!!!!!!

as with all Craigslist dealings, ask the guy where he lives so you can see them, and promptly check the neighborhood on google-earth etc.... don't go to an apartment etc..... go to a nice condo, or nice home in an upscale neighborhood...... otherwise meet at a coffee shop, etc.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

That wouldn't be the part that concerns me!!!!!!

as with all Craigslist dealings, ask the guy where he lives so you can see them, and promptly check the neighborhood on google-earth etc.... don't go to an apartment etc..... go to a nice condo, or nice home in an upscale neighborhood...... otherwise meet at a coffee shop, etc.

That's exactly what I do - as a matter of fact - I insist that the transaction take place in a public place (unless they are willing to ship - then I take other precautions to proctect my investment).

[prerich]

P.S. I would only buy higher end gear used - no recent Polks. Might as well get those new. Now if its a rare, proven audiophile speaker then we can talk - and we usually do!!! Got my M-80 power amp a few weeks ago from craigslist - its been a wonderful buy (didn't realize how good the M-80 was until now! Wish I had never sold my old one 12 years ago ... well I did use part of that money to buy a very expensive cabinate - got water damaged in a hurricane - its now a shell of it's old self).

[cathexist]

I got my yamahas from a guy through craigslist, he'd owned them for a few years and was moving...gave me a good deal and they sound great (just haven't had much of a chance to turn them up too much cause I'm in an apartment).

[Scooby Blu]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

That wouldn't be the part that concerns me!!!!!!

as with all Craigslist dealings, ask the guy where he lives so you can see them, and promptly check the neighborhood on google-earth etc.... don't go to an apartment etc..... go to a nice condo, or nice home in an upscale neighborhood...... otherwise meet at a coffee shop, etc.

Very wise indeed !!! Great tip !

[Driver_King]

It's also a good thing to tell someone you trust what you're doing and where you're going or just have them come with you. Untraceable would make anyone understand what I mean.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

It's also a good thing to tell someone you trust what you're doing and where you're going or just have them come with you. Untraceable would make anyone understand what I mean.

Also excellent advice!!!!!!

[kingofgrills]

Originally Posted by prerich

P.S. I would only buy higher end gear used - no recent Polks. Might as well get those new. Now if its a rare, proven audiophile speaker then we can talk - and we usually do!!! Got my M-80 power amp a few weeks ago from craigslist - its been a wonderful buy (didn't realize how good the M-80 was until now! Wish I had never sold my old one 12 years ago ... well I did use part of that money to buy a very expensive cabinate - got water damaged in a hurricane - its now a shell of it's old self).

To this day I still wish I had my old M-80 amp. I'm afraid to ask, but how much did you find it for?

As for buying pre-owned gear, I have no qualms about doing it. However, before following up on a Craigslist ad it's important that you do your research ahead of time. Know exactly what make and model speaker you're going to see, how much it costs new, and how much it might be going for on Audiogon or Ebay. Only armed with that info can you reliably assess the speaker. Make sure you can listen to them sufficiently before handing over cash. It would suck to by a used speaker that's DOA. I purchased my M&K MX-70B subwoofer off Craigslist, and it was like new sitting in a closet. It was simply too much sub for the guy's apartment, and instead of returning it he stored it for his future house that never materialized. I bought it for $300, and that sub retailed for $1,000 new.

Don't let pre-owned stuff scare you off. Doing some research and careful examination can really pay off.

[ozzman]

If it wasn't for used speakers i would be behind in the game.
I love older Speakers.I love shopping for them.As Prerich knows,Iam still looking for a Mcsi Mirage Used center(Its something like 12,14 years old here in Canada.

There's one thing about just going into a store and buying speakers that's layed out in front of you(paying high prices) and there's something else about looking for something you can't find in a store (which takes work and Patients.)

When you find that special speaker its like hitting a gold mind.For me thats the best part about audio equipment and collecting.
high end speakers for a reasonable price.Love it

Just remember i go into alote of pawnshops.

Thats just my 2 cents on buying used speakers