Buying Used Monitors - Should I do it?

pbell · 24th July 2007

So I can finally buy some new monitors on the more high end side. I'm looking at the ADAM P11s, Dynaudio BM6, and Focal Solo 6. My plan has been to always buy new, but now I am considering going the used route, maybe go a little higher end with the same amount of money . I'm looking around the $2000 CDN +/- a bit, not including taxes, which puts me a little on the fence about the Focals since it brings me to $3000 CDN with taxes.

My question is this - is it worth the risk of buying used monitors? In my eyes there is a fair amount of risk involved since they have been used and therefore possibly damaged etc.

What have been your experiences and do you have any advice on the topic?

I apologize if there is already a post like this, I just couldn't find one, if you know of one please point me in its general direction.

MarkPrestonMusic · 24th July 2007

I was asking the same questions a few months ago. I decided to go with used monitors, and I have been very happy with them. No issues / problems. Of course, when I purchased them, I did quite a few tests to ensure they sounded as good as new monitors of the same make / model. (A / B with another pair).

But each pair of used monitors has it's history...

pbell · 24th July 2007

I guess I should add that because of where I live if I go used I won't be able to test them because I will be ordering them off ebay or if I get lucky from someone here on GS.

Bob Ross · 24th July 2007

Buying used is always a crapshoot. As Dirty Harry said, "Do ya feel lucky?"

I still have a pair of Tannoy System 800's that I bought used from...uh...geez, what was the name of that auction site that Ham Brosious ran in the late '90's? Anyway, they were used, I bought them without having tested them, but I got lucky & they were in excellent condition, so I was happy.

If they hadn't been in good condition I had some protection via that aforementioned auction site...so if you trust eBay or PayPal or whomever to back you up in the event of a lemon, go ahead & buy used.

Otherwise, test them first. Or buy something that has a warranty.

TheGetDown · 25th July 2007

Ive had GREAT luck buying used monitors.

My first set, Event 20/20 bas, I got of Craigslist for $300 used.... sold them on Craigslist two years later for $340.

With that money, I bought a pair of KRK V8s for $400, also on Craigslist.

!!!!!!!!!

Just make sure you hear them first!

24th July 2007	#1
pbell Gear maniac Joined: Sep 2006 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 280 Thread Starter	Buying Used Monitors - Should I do it? So I can finally buy some new monitors on the more high end side. I'm looking at the ADAM P11s, Dynaudio BM6, and Focal Solo 6. My plan has been to always buy new, but now I am considering going the used route, maybe go a little higher end with the same amount of money . I'm looking around the $2000 CDN +/- a bit, not including taxes, which puts me a little on the fence about the Focals since it brings me to $3000 CDN with taxes. My question is this - is it worth the risk of buying used monitors? In my eyes there is a fair amount of risk involved since they have been used and therefore possibly damaged etc. What have been your experiences and do you have any advice on the topic? I apologize if there is already a post like this, I just couldn't find one, if you know of one please point me in its general direction. __________________ Paul www.paulbellsounddesign.com

24th July 2007	#2
MarkPrestonMusic Gear interested Joined: Mar 2007 Location: Boston Posts: 2	I was asking the same questions a few months ago. I decided to go with used monitors, and I have been very happy with them. No issues / problems. Of course, when I purchased them, I did quite a few tests to ensure they sounded as good as new monitors of the same make / model. (A / B with another pair). But each pair of used monitors has it's history... __________________ www.myspace.com/markprestonmusic

24th July 2007	#3
pbell Gear maniac Joined: Sep 2006 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 280 Thread Starter	I should add I guess I should add that because of where I live if I go used I won't be able to test them because I will be ordering them off ebay or if I get lucky from someone here on GS.

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24th July 2007	#4
Bob Ross Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2005 Location: NYC Posts: 2,639	Buying used is always a crapshoot. As Dirty Harry said, "Do ya feel lucky?" I still have a pair of Tannoy System 800's that I bought used from...uh...geez, what was the name of that auction site that Ham Brosious ran in the late '90's? Anyway, they were used, I bought them without having tested them, but I got lucky & they were in excellent condition, so I was happy. If they hadn't been in good condition I had some protection via that aforementioned auction site...so if you trust eBay or PayPal or whomever to back you up in the event of a lemon, go ahead & buy used. Otherwise, test them first. Or buy something that has a warranty.

25th July 2007	#5
TheGetDown Gear maniac Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 194	Ive had GREAT luck buying used monitors. My first set, Event 20/20 bas, I got of Craigslist for $300 used.... sold them on Craigslist two years later for $340. With that money, I bought a pair of KRK V8s for $400, also on Craigslist. !!!!!!!!! Just make sure you hear them first!