Do you buy gear new, used, both?

Only new. I dabbled with used and found I could not handle the unknowns of used. I was obsessive about it to the point it was all consuming.

I did an AI search on the condition and it is real. It was an eye opener for me.

I will do used if family or trusted friends. Conversely, my wife kids me that I am the guy you want to buy used stuff from because it is pristine.

Yes, both

Both, but primarily used as it was the ONLY WAY for me to afford targeted high-end SS Sonics. 

Mostly new, but I did buy my preamp lightly used from a guy that was selling his separates and going to an integrated amp.  I talked to him on the phone before I sent him any money.  Good guy.  I also bought my streamer used from TMR.  It still had warranty remaining. 

I also bought a LHY ock-2 clock lightly used and number of interconnects.  

@zavato 

How old were you when you discovered your avatar/picture?