Buying Dealer Demos

As long as they had quality equipment driving the speakers I dont think you have anything to worry about. My speakers were a display model and not only did I not have to break them in but I saved thousands.

Unless they have physical damage that effects their appearance, I would prefer the used speakers. Broken in and money in my pocket.

Dealers that play to excessive levels and continually return their demo models to the factory for repair would soon be on the **** list with the manufacturer.

Besides, you said they were very high quality speakers, the dealer probably is too.

Your concerns would in theory apply equally to any used product, not just dealer demo's, so maybe we should be surprised to find you on the A-Gon! Seriously though, if they sound fine (with an ear to each driver) and look fine (with the grilles off), and you have a manufacturer's warranty, stop worrying and enjoy your new speakers. I bought both my Thiel speakers and my C-J amp as demo's with warranties from different dealers, was able to audition them both at home with return privileges, saved a lot of money, got wonderful performance, and when service was needed down the road, got it covered at no charge by the manufacturers (and this even though the problems, strictly speaking, were in all probability not the results of manufacturing defects) . What's not to like?

I bought about half of the speakers I have owned as demos. Saves money. If the place you shop has high quality electronics, I would like to see them damage a speaker just by playing it loud. It is many times harder to damage a speaker with too much power than with too little power. Plus, if they give you the full warranty still and something does go wrong, you get a new set of speakers. I don't see how you can lose. If they are as good as you say they are, they will last 20 or 25 years, so 3 times the use up to this point should have no effect.

Thanks for the feedback. Zaikesman,there is a difference in my mind between used and dealer demo in the sheer number of hours a dealer puts on equipment as opposed to an average user. Your responses all give me more of a "warm,fuzzy" feeling in moving forward with this purchase.