New vs Used when buying please share thoughts

I'm pretty sure everyone hear is going to suggest audiogon as the place to buy used. I also think that most people here will suggest buying used instead of new. When you consider the fact that you can usually find a mint condition product for half of retail that has been lightly used for a couple months, it doesn't make sense to buy new. As far as warranty, rarely do I hold on to anything long enough to have any warranty issues.

The most important issue other than finding equipment which has "syenergy" w/each other, your tastes & the room in which these components will be going in, is the SELLER'S reputation/track record of honesty and integrity. Good communication is vitual as well. Trust your instincts. I've bought quite a few things on AudiogoN and E-bay and "knock on wood," so far not one single issue. Proper packing of the item is essential. Absolutely nothing wrong w/buying used as long as you know your seller. There are always risks involved, however. My 2 cents. Bill

Buying used audio equipment is a lot like buying a used car.
You can get a wonderful deal, or a lemon!
Buying used is a risk. A risk many feel comfortable with.
The most important part of buying used is to find sellers you can trust.
Personally, sellers who have too many sales in a short period, are not selling personal equipment, they are dealers in reality, if not openly so named. And I would avoid them.
The best sellers are selling equipment they have used, and are upgrading. It has not sat in a closet for five years, nor been just picked up at the local electronics bargain fair!
If the person you email is gruff, or annoyed by questions, I would pass on that seller too. Ask a stupid question already answered in the ad to feel out if they are jerks. I decent person WILL spend the time to answer your question! The ones who get nasty... pass.
Pay for decent shipping! FedEx 3 day is the best. Expensive but your gizmo will arrive safe. The worst are ground anything, FedEx, UPS, postal ground all suck. Find stuff that has the original box and manual! Usually the original owner will have these if they own a house. (Some folks do not have the room to save all the boxes, but if they are the original owner, I would go for it.
These ideas are specifically for the first time buyer used, and do not appy to seasoned used shoppers. (So don't crucify me 'goN'ers)
The reasons to buy used are to save money! perhaps to buy a great item that is no longer produced.
To buy new: warranty.
New OR used, the item could have problems, and so that part of the picture is not as important as it might seem. But avoid products that cannot be repaired, because no parts can be had, or because they are too expensive to repair (mid priced $400 used, CD players come to mind, too expensive to repair!, just toss and get a new one!)

My entire system, except for the rack, was constructed from Audiogon. When you can buy something at 45-60% less than retail with no tax, it is hard to argue with that. There is no doubt that there is risk involved. However, I would never have this system with this risk.

There is risk in sending a stranger a cashier's check.

There is risk in shipping heavy/delicate equipment, no matter which carrier you use.

There is risk that you can get carried away and overextend yourself with all the unbelievable buys.

That said, I personally think the risk is worth it. You can pretty much find anything you want here. Speakers are the most problematic. I would suggest purchasing a demo pair from a dealer through audiogon, so that you can have the full warranty. Ask the seller to take detailed photos of all the sides of the equipment out of the box and in the box in case you need to process a claim through the shipping company. If you purchase speakers that have good customer service, ask that they be shipped first to the factory for evaluation at your cost. Look for reputable sellers with good feedback, long-time members, and those that contribute to discussion. There are plenty of dealers online who have stores you can call. Make contact by email and phone so that you can get an idea of who you are dealing with, especially for the big-ticket items.

There are some really good seller here, who are very professional and reasonable. Sometimes unfortunate things out of anyone's hands do happen. Just remember to remain reasonable and try to work it out. Also, if you are the type that expects a piece of used equipment to look and smell like brand new, then you might be set up for disappointment (although almost all the things I bought were extremely well cared for).

Good luck,
Rob