buying used speakers

I have bought spent over $3K on used electronics bought on-line in the last year. Worth every penny and each transaction went smoothly. Gear in at least as good condition as described. You can definately get a flavor of how the product is by the type of communication you have with the seller by email and over phone. However, with speakers there certainly is more risk (shipping, bad driver, etc.) Then there is the risk of incompatibility with system. Certainly sticking with a known product would reduce that risk, but then how do you find out what that known product is. Some would audition at local dealer; I do not recommend that. Its dishonest and you are wasting their time and money. So knowing what will work in your system is a problem. However, if you stick with well known products, there would be little if any loss on a resale. Also with speakers probably most important to have original boxes. Escrow service certainly is good protection for both parties, but so far have not had any problems. I would recommend watching this or any other site for a few weeks first, you can start to see patterns with sellers over time.

Jsbail- Sounds like you've done your research. I would make sure they are shipped in original boxes and insured. Paying by credit card through escrow service should protect you from most abuses. If you get original (not photo copy) sales slip and photo showing matching S/N, that would be additional protection. I understand your reluctance given the high cost; you might have more piece of mind by talking directly to seller on phone. At that price, he/she shouldn't have a problem giving it out to you. Let us know how the escrow service experience goes if you go ahead. I have not used one yet, but seller I am currently buying a relatively low cost item (<$100) wants to use one at his expense. Go figure. In sum, as Carl said, it seems as though you have made up your mind, and it also seems that you used all reasonable precautions.

You're welcome. Let us know how it plays out.