Traveling never going to happen??? need advice

Given the weight and size of the Andras, definitely pay the price for getting the right replacement shipping boxes/crates from Eggleston Works. While using commodity cardboard with foam, etc...works with smaller speakers, something like the Andra with granite finish and heavy bottom-end (IMHO) needs the boxes that EW themselves would use. Lacking that, get a UPS Store rep to give you a quote on "custom crating and shipping"; works for antiques and all manner of valuable items. This is not to be confused with them doing a traditional boxing prior to shipment, this is a custom service that would build crates and cradles that are tailor made for whatever you will ship.

Next time...SAVE YOUR BOXES/CRATES!!!

For the record, I would not drive 3000 miles roundtrip to buy a pair of speakers or other electronic gear. Too much time, exposure on the road, etc...

I drove about 7 hours one way to pick up my speakers. Had to measure a couple of times to make sure they fit. I rented some moving blankets to help pad them because the owner didn't keep the original boxes. It worked perfectly. The way I look at it, if someone isn't willing to drive a bit to pick them up then how interested can they really be?

It's really just a math problem, right? At 3k round-trip miles getting 23 mpg and gas at 2.30/ gallon + a night at motel 6 and fifty bucks worth of McDonald's you're at $400 for the trip. After that, you need to figure out how good a deal you offer someone as well how desperate you are to sell. For anything in the Andra line I would make a road trip out of it. I recently bought a pair of 140# speakers from a gent who offered to drive them 300 miles free in his Agon ad to make the deal. He was a good guy and helped me set them up for a test so I gave him enough money to split his expenses 50-50 before he left.

I wouldn't do it. I suggest you pay for shipping and take the issue away

Time for professional help. Look into White Glove' services when it comes time for shipping. However, to assure you get what you paid for, it is best you be at the pickup point when they are shipped. Find a cheap airline ticket. First, to assure they are fully operational and not damaged before shipping. Pictures a must. Second, to actually be the shipper who signs off on the shipping manifest, a must in case any transit damage takes place. Lastly, since each weights 130 pounds, you would be foolish to not use professional movers. Think about it, you could easily physically hurt yourself trying to move these pieces, especially since you are emotionally involved. Happy listening.