Buying anything online can be risky,let alone expensive audio components, but you can minimize potential problems by following a few basic guidelines. Try to audition the product you're interested in, so you at least have some kind of idea what they will sound like in a comparable set-up. Second, speak to the seller in person. Most any reputable person will honestly tell you why they're selling and will confirm what condition the speakers are really in. I have found that in dealing with a service such as Audiogon, whose members are generally deeply committed to the the goal of better sound rather than profit, is the best way to go. Over the past year, I have replaced my entire system, and the buying and selling of speakers was the most pleasurable, although the most time-consuming. I owned a pair of Snell A IIIs, which I was replacing for a pair of Avalon Eclipses. I found a pair listed on Audiogon, we emailed back and forth a few times, exchanged each others' phone numbers and began our dicussions in person. I live in South Carolina, he lives in California. We got together on the price and worked out all the details on shipping and after numerous conversations the Eclipses were on their way. I can't begin to tell you how pleased I am with them. They were better than as described. The member that I bought them from, Dale Epperson, was honest to a fault, even desribing some flaw that he knew about that one would never have seen. By the time it was all said and done, an investment of almost $4000.00 felt like a real bargain. He's even called and emailed since then to say hi and making sure that I was still as happy as the day that I received them, which I am! Be careful with who you do business with. Anyone can be dishonest, but at least if you have a problem with an Audiogon member or transaction, you have some recourse. That's what the feedback section is all about. Use it and others will too. Check it before you buy from someone, it's no guarantee, but it's the best we have. And as the old saying goes, "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is". With proper precaution, you too can purchase speakers online with confidence and save some money in the process. Best of luck!!!
