New or Used?

badchad

Just curious on the opinions of veterans.

Do you buy your equipment new or used?

I'm a noob to (relatively) upper end home theatre, and I've set aside about 2k for a 7.1 setup.

A colleague of mine insists that the best way to build a system is by getting previous generation and/or used equipment, because its deeply discounted (nearly 40% in some cases). For example, I'm interested in getting RTI A7's as my fronts. For the same price, I could easily upgrade to used RTI 12's, or possibly used LSi's (depending on the generation).

I've heard the rationale that speaker technology moves quite slowly, so previously owned stuff if the way to go. It's probably a subjective thing, so I'm curious on your input.

virtualdean

badchad wrote: »

Just curious on the opinions of veterans.

Do you buy your equipment new or used?

I'm a noob to (relatively) upper end home theatre, and I've set aside about 2k for a 7.1 setup.

A colleague of mine insists that the best way to build a system is by getting previous generation and/or used equipment, because its deeply discounted (nearly 40% in some cases). For example, I'm interested in getting RTI A7's as my fronts. For the same price, I could easily upgrade to used RTI 12's, or possibly used LSi's (depending on the generation).

I've heard the rationale that speaker technology moves quite slowly, so previously owned stuff if the way to go. It's probably a subjective thing, so I'm curious on your input.

If you are going to be living with it for a long time without being able to upgrade than I'd go with the 12's. It was top of the line during its heyday, I believe.
I would hold on a little longer...the A9's are coming down in price quickly. Get them and be forever happy. Its what I have, I love them.
Keep on checking the PolkDirect store on ebay for stuff direct from Polk, cheaper.
Also keep on looking at the Harmon Kardan store on ebay for great stuff too.

I bought my first set of speakers used. They were fine but not as good as I wanted.
I bought my a9's new, the Sunfire new and the Oppo new...so I guess I'm a newbie.
But it was after jettisoning the EX and getting rid of all my bills..

PSOVLSK

Used (or closeout) is the way to go in my opinion and not just for speakers. I've bought used speakers, amps, pre-amps, AVR's, speaker cables, IC's, etc. You obviously take a risk of getting something DOA or having no warranty, but I've been fortunate in that every piece I've ever bought has been near pristine.

With the new LSi line coming out, you might be able to find a good deal on the old line soon.

jaritta

I have had good luck with used stuff. The rti a5's that i have are from polk direct on ebay, the finish was flawless and they sound fantastic. if you wait i think you could find good stuff from them. I have also bought my avr use from craigslist without any problems. I also bought a acurus amp from ebay.....about freaked because it had a ground loop issue but figured out that it was the cable ground making noise....

All in all i think if you do your research on the item, and aks the seller plenty of questions you will be fine. I have found most people to be honost about the condition of the items.

dvran

I would also highly recommend used equipment.

I got my RT1000's used for $200/pair back in 1999. It's 2011 and they're still working great.

Equipment like electronics have no moving parts (speakers aside), so they can last a long time, and Polk speakers are very well constructed.