Is buying a “used” subwoofer a bad idea?

@mulveling 

I will give you that and some audiophiles must inevitably huff and puff and smoke.

l was trying to inject some “colour” (Kings English) into the discussion, but it apparently missed the target.

l am so sorry if the “Logic” within my handle appears provocative to you. It was probably lost in translation across the pond. Two countries separated by a common language.

Just for clarity…. Because I would hate for this to colour the sound of my reply. “mylogic” was adopted after signing up in 2020 to answer a question about a DM-101 bearing.

The logic part refers to an English Logic DM-101 turntable l often use, nothing more.

P.S.  I do however totally agree with your AI slop opinion. I myself was criticised on another thread for calling into question the accuracy with AI reviews of hi-fi products. Good to talk!

Agree the challenge with used subs is in the amplifier.  If you’re buying a relatively expensive used sub from a dealer that will stand be the sale I’d feel more comfortable.  If it less cost there’s less risk buying from an individual seller.  I’ve bought 3 used subs.  2 are still working after a year plus.  The 3rd quit working within 6 months.  Not worth replacing the amp.  

I was told on this very forum that it's a terrible idea. I think the question is as generic as "is buying a used car a bad idea." Seriously, there are so many variables, this is an impossible question to answer.

Depends on how much it's been used. A light use subwoofer on a 2ch audio system -versus- a subwoofer constantly hammered in a dual purpose audio system and home theater setup (combined use) is a used subwoofer I'd avoid unless you are a fan of the cabinet, get it for low cost, and don't mind rebuilding it later.  

Having helped multiple friends replace the woofers and amplifiers in factory made subwoofers and there is no guarantee a high grade sub will last longer than a low cost one. Seen and helped fix some nice subs that did not last long and then the factory parts were no longer available so it was a total cut / fab / do over.  

Can also be rewarding to build your own subwoofer kit with a new amp, new woofer. If the amp or woofer goes bad later, it's easier to fix since you already know it having built it. 

I bought two used powered subs - the same model - at different times - over a decade ago.   Eventually, the plate amps for each died years apart.  No replacement plate amps would fit in the custom cut-out in the cabinets.   

Since I loved their design - and sound, I’ve kept the subs going with a standalone sub amp - a new Dayton Audio SA1000.    Since the Dayton has more fine-tune settings than the original plate amps, my subs integrated even better than before.

Sure enough, the Dayton sub amp died after 4 years.  Dayton customer service would not even consider repairing it.  A web search yielded that the problem might be just one particular capacitor (C-6 position).   Being handy with a soldering iron, I fixed it myself for $2.   It’s been working great since.