Do you buy new, used or new or used gear?

Music server new, DAC new refurbished, preamp used, previous power amp used, new power amps new, speakers store demo. Typically has been used.  HT system, new receiver, speakers were a mix of new and used.  Luckily I owned Paradigm Studio 100's, and some matching Paradigm speakers so finishing off the 7.1 with Paradigm was a breeze, even found the correct center channel used. 

 

New. I buy seldom and with lots of research and then I get out of the upgrade business for seven to ten years. My purchases are very large as a percentage of income so I don’t want any chance of loss, lack of reliability or support. 

Most of my equipment was bought new with some exceptions. I recently bought demo Sonus Faber Nova V speakers for my main system. I bought a used Pathos InPol 2 amp for my office system. Most of my cables are Nordost Odin or Valhalla cables, and I bought most of those used. I bought my VPI TNT III turntable about 30 years ago, and it's still going strong.

all of the above, but usually used... i like to try things, hear for myself in my system, i don’t mind the buying/selling process, am experienced at it -- this way i keep the pieces i really like, purchased at a reasonable, used value

not for everyone, but it works for me

   A combination of both as I’m budget restricted. Over the last year I purchased new speakers and new seismic podiums. I was gifted a pair of Rogue M-180’s that needed some repair. I shipped them to Rogue and wound up getting the full Dark upgrade and all new tubes . So my free amps cost me $3500. The same friend sold me the matching Hera pre that had just been serviced and retubed for $2k. I traded a pair of reproduction Dynaco MK III’s for a really nice modded Thorens TD 160 with a Grado cartridge. I can’t run with the big dogs , but I can’t sit on the porch either . 😆 Cheers , Mike B.