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

I know some folks that will only buy new gear, and others that will only buy used gear, and of course, those that will sometimes buy new and sometimes buy used gear. Where are you on this spectrum?

Personally, about 1/2 my main system consists of gear that was bought used (or store demo), and none was the worse for it.

zavato06-01-2026 12:05pm

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jjss49 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 6,920 posts 06-01-2026 at 05:58pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete 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
buellrider97 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 942 posts 06-01-2026 at 06:15pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete 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.
kevemaher Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 381 posts 06-01-2026 at 06:32pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @larsman Yeah!
willywonka Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 465 posts 06-01-2026 at 07:04pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Everything I have purchased so far has been new only. I might consider some used equipment in the future with the exception of cables. I would buy used cables if it was from a reputable company. Too many fakes out there!
thaluza Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 302 posts 06-01-2026 at 07:20pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Mostly new. I have bought used if the item is unique (like my speakers), or if I want an extended audition of something and the item is easy to resell. I used to buy and sell a lot of used gear but the increase in shipping prices, and having been burned a few times with someone else’s problem gear, have mostly kept me out of the game.