Experience in Buying Quality Used Speakers at Good Prices in HCM

Buying used speakers requires knowledge and care to ensure you get a quality product at a fair price. This article will provide you with in-depth knowledge and practical advice to help you make an informed decision when buying used speakers.

We’ll cover important aspects like understanding used speakers, checking their condition, assessing their origin and brand, comparing prices, testing them out, choosing the right one for your needs, and how to service and repair them. Each section will provide detailed and useful information, giving you more confidence in your search for the right used speakers.

1. Understanding Old Speakers

Used speakers are used audio equipment that can be of considerable benefit to the savvy buyer. This definition includes speakers that have been used before, but are still in good working order. The main benefit of buying used speakers is that they are more affordable than new speakers, and the opportunity to own high-end or rare models at a lower cost.

According to a recent survey, 68% of used speaker buyers said they were able to save an average of 30-50% compared to the price of similar new speakers. This is especially appealing to audiophiles who want to upgrade their system without making a huge investment.

Popular types of used speakers on the market include:

• Bookshelf speakers: Compact, suitable for small spaces.
• Floor-standing speakers: Provide powerful sound quality, suitable for large rooms.
• Subwoofer: Specializes in reproducing bass, often used in combination with other speaker systems.
• Monitor speakers: Designed for studio use, for precise sound quality.
• Wall-mounted speakers: Save space, often used in home theater systems.

Each type of speaker has its own acoustic properties and applications, requiring buyers to clearly understand their usage needs before deciding.

2. Check Speaker Status

Checking the external condition of the speaker is the first and important step in the process of evaluating used speakers. Buyers should pay attention to the following factors:

• Speaker enclosure: Inspect carefully for cracks, scratches or deformation.
• Speaker diaphragm: Make sure there are no tears, dents or deformations.
• Connection port: Check for integrity and tightness.
• Adjustment knob: Ensure smooth operation, no sticking or looseness.

According to statistics, 75% of sound quality problems of old speakers can be detected through careful external inspection.

Checking the sound quality is the next step that cannot be skipped. Buyers should:

• Listen to different genres of music to evaluate the ability to reproduce sound at different frequency ranges.
• Pay attention to the clarity, frequency balance, and dynamics of the sound.
• Check for unwanted distortion or noise.
• Evaluates soundstage reproduction and imaging capabilities.

One study found that 90% of used speaker buyers prioritize sound quality over appearance when making their final decision.

3. Origin and Brand

Choosing to buy speakers from reputable brands is an important factor to ensure the quality and durability of the product. Some famous and reliable speaker brands include:

• Bowers & Wilkins: Famous for hi-end sound quality and classy design.
• KEF: Known for its unique Uni-Q coaxial speaker technology.
• Klipsch: Specializes in horn-loaded speakers for high efficiency and good dynamics.
• JBL: Diverse products, from professional speakers to home speakers.
• Dynaudio: Famous for its faithful and detailed sound quality.
• Bose: Bose speakers have a modern, luxurious and highly aesthetic design that will fit any space.

According to a recent survey, 85% of used speaker buyers said they favor brands with a long history and good reputation in the audio industry.

Learning about the speaker's origins is the next important step. Buyers should:

• Request information about the speaker's usage history, including age and usage environment.
• Ask about the reason for selling the speaker to assess the actual condition of the product.
• Check the serial number and compare it with the manufacturer's information to verify authenticity.
• Find out about any repairs or upgrades that have been performed on the speaker.

A study shows that 70% of unsuccessful purchases of used speakers are due to lack of information about the product's origin and history of use.

4. Price and Warranty Policy

Comparing prices between similar products is an important step in ensuring you get the best value for your investment. To do this effectively, you should:

• Research the market price of the specific speaker model, both new and used, across online platforms and audio stores.
• Examine the condition of the speaker and compare it to similar models.
• Take into account factors such as age, features, and performance when assessing value.
• Use an online price comparison tool to get an overview of the market.

According to statistics, the price of used speakers usually ranges from 40% to 70% of the price of new speakers, depending on the condition and rarity of the product.

Checking the warranty policy is an indispensable factor when buying used speakers. This is especially important because:

• The warranty provides financial protection in case of problems with the speaker.
• A good warranty policy shows the seller's confidence in the product quality.
• Some manufacturers offer transferable warranties, which are valid even if the speaker is used.

When checking the warranty policy, pay attention to:

• Remaining warranty period (if any).
• Warranty coverage (what is and is not covered).
• Warranty claim process and processing time.
• Shipping and repair costs (if any).

A recent survey found that 65% of used speaker buyers consider warranty policy a deciding factor when choosing between similar products.

5. Live Testing

Testing speakers directly at the store or place of sale is an important step that cannot be skipped in the process of choosing to buy used speakers. When testing, you should:

• Bring along familiar music to compare sound quality.
• Test the speaker at different volume levels to evaluate performance.
• Pay attention to clarity, frequency balance, and detail reproduction.
• Check for distortion or buzzing at high volume levels.
• Evaluates soundstage reproduction and sound localization capabilities.

According to one study, 80% of used speaker buyers said that in-person testing helped them detect issues that weren't apparent from descriptions or photos.

When asking the seller about the speaker's specifications and features, you should focus on these important questions:

• What is the rated and maximum power of the speaker?
• What is the frequency response range of the speaker?
• What is the speaker sensitivity in dB?
• What is the speaker impedance in ohms?
• Does the speaker incorporate any special technology (e.g. bass reflex, bi-amping)?
• How long has the speaker been used and in what kind of environment?
• Have any repairs or component replacements been performed?

A survey found that 70% of used speaker buyers felt more confident about their decision after getting detailed answers to the above questions.

6. Choose the Right Speaker for Your Needs

Determining the intended use of the speaker is the first and most important step in selecting the right speaker. Each intended use requires different sound characteristics:

• Listening to music: Need speakers that can reproduce realistic sound, with good balance between frequency ranges.
• Karaoke singing: Requires speakers with high capacity and good processing ability at mid and high frequencies.
• Watching movies: Need a multi-channel speaker system with the ability to reproduce a wide sound field and powerful bass.

According to a study, 65% of users said they use speakers for a variety of purposes, with listening to music accounting for 70% of their usage time.

Choosing the right speakers for your favorite music genre is also important. Different genres of music require different sound characteristics:

• Classical music: Requires speakers that can reproduce good detail, especially in the mid-range.
• Rock music: Requires speakers with high power handling and powerful bass reproduction.
• Jazz: Requires speakers capable of faithfully reproducing sound, especially in the mid and high frequencies.
• Electronic music: Requires speakers capable of handling deep and powerful bass.

A recent survey found that 75% of hi-fi speaker users said that choosing speakers that match their favorite music genre significantly improved their listening experience.

7. Cheap old speakers worth buying

7.1. Old, used JBL speaker lines

Usually then old JBL speakers are all purchased from sources such as: cafes and event companies, bars, dance floors. Usually, speakers purchased from the above places all give very bad sound and after a period of use, one part after another breaks down.

Stores specializing in purchasing used goods from karaoke bars, bars, floors, events, because of service, speakers have to operate for a very long time, have to work beyond capacity, so the life of the speakers is not durable. When they operate at the worst possible level, then they are liquidated to consumers. Usually, your thoughts as above may be correct, but only partly correct, why?

For JBL used speakers then it is definitely used speaker (old) but how old it is depends on the product.

Used JBL speakers can come from many places around the world, so here I cannot confirm which country the used speakers are manufactured from. When buying Genuine JBL speakers There probably isn't any paperwork to confirm the origin of the product. If anything, there's still a label and a team on the speaker.

7.2. Genuine old Bose speakers

The purchase old Bose speakers is a cost-effective way to own quality products at a cheaper price than buying new. However, you need to be careful and check carefully before deciding to buy, to ensure that the product is still working well and there are no problems with sound quality.

In addition, when buying used Bose karaoke speakers, you can also find rare and discontinued products, and can find higher-end speaker models at cheaper prices than when buying new. However, make sure to buy from reputable addresses to avoid buying fake or poor quality products. See more: Instructions to distinguish between real and fake Bose speakers quickly and accurately.

Some of the most sought-after old Bose speaker lines include:

• Bose 301 Series 3 Speakers: This is the first version of the 301 speaker series, launched in the 1980s. It has a classic design in black or wood, 150W power and a frequency response of 40Hz to 20kHz.

• Bose 301 Series 4 Speakers: This version is more improved in sound technology and connectivity features, with 150W power and frequency response from 40Hz to 20kHz. It has a design quite similar to the Series 3 version, but has added anti-head speaker feature.

• Bose 301 Series 5 Speakers: This version has a nicer design with black fabric speaker grilles and wooden speaker cone protectors. It has a power of 150W and a frequency response of 45Hz to 20kHz, with a smaller size than previous versions.

• Bose 301 Series 6 Speakers: This version has a power of 150W and a frequency response of 40Hz to 20kHz, designed with a black cloth speaker grille and a speaker membrane between two protective parts, which can be easily removed for cleaning. It is equipped with anti-distortion and bass enhancement technology.
• Bose 301 Series 7 Speakers: The latest version of the Bose 301 speaker, launched in 2019. It has a more elegant design, with black fabric speaker grilles and a new material speaker cone, which enhances the sound. The Bose 301 Series 7 speaker has a capacity of 150W and a frequency response of 40Hz to 24kHz, providing a better and more detailed sound experience than previous versions.

Looking for more information: Distinguish Bose 301 series 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 speakers with the "naked eye"

7.3 Used LG Soundbar

LG Soundbar is one of the best and most popular product lines on the market. LG offers many different Soundbar models, meeting the needs of many customers at many different price points.

LG is often highly appreciated for the sound quality and features of their Soundbar product lines. LG Soundbar products are often equipped with modern sound technology, meeting the sound requirements of users in watching movies, listening to music and playing games.

Some of the typical features of LG Soundbar products include 3D surround sound, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, AI virtual assistant integration, simple remote control, etc.

7.4. Used Sony Soundbar

Sony is one of the famous and prestigious brands in the audio field. Sony's Soundbar product lines are highly appreciated for their sound quality and sophisticated design. Below are some of Sony's Soundbar speaker lines:

• Sony HT-ST5000: One of Sony's high-end products with 7.1.2-channel surround sound and support for advanced audio technologies such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
• Sony HT-Z9F: One of Sony's best 3.1-channel Soundbar speakers, integrated with S-Force Pro Front Surround sound technology and Dolby Atmos support.
• Sony HT-X8500: A popular Soundbar speaker line with reasonable price and good sound quality. This product provides 2.1 channel surround sound, 3D audio support and Bluetooth wireless connection.
• Sony HT-S350: This is a cheap Soundbar product from Sony, but still brings good sound quality. This product provides 2.1 channel surround sound and integrates S-Force Pro Front Surround technology.

Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose one of the above Sony Soundbar speaker lines to experience good and effective sound when watching movies, listening to music and playing games.

7.5. Used JBL Soundbar

JBL is a famous brand from the US and is highly appreciated in the audio field, with high quality and diverse Soundbar speaker products to serve the needs of users. Below are some lines of JBL Soundbar speakers:

• JBL Bar 9.1: This is JBL's high-end product with 9.1-channel surround sound and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio technology. This soundbar is also equipped with a rechargeable battery and wireless connectivity.
• JBL Bar 5.1: One of JBL's popular products with 5.1-channel surround sound and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. This product is also equipped with a rechargeable battery for easy portability and use.
• JBL Bar 2.1: This is a low-cost Soundbar product from JBL but still provides good sound quality. This product has 2.1 channel surround sound and integrates Dolby Digital technology.
• JBL Bar Studio: A popular Soundbar speaker product of JBL with reasonable price and good sound quality. This product has 2.0 channel surround sound and is equipped with JBL Surround Sound technology.

In addition, on the market there are also used high-end soundbars such as: Yamaha, Bose, Sonos...

8. How to Maintain and Repair Old Speakers

Proper maintenance of old speakers is important to prolong their life and maintain optimal sound quality. Here are some specific guidelines:

• Regular cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe dust from the speaker housing and speaker cone. Avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage the surface.
• Check connections: Make sure connectors and cables are clean and securely connected to avoid signal loss or interference.
• Proper storage: Avoid placing the speaker in high humidity, direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
• Reasonable use: Avoid running the speaker at high power continuously for long periods of time to protect internal components.
• Regular Checks: Regularly check components such as speaker cones, surrounds, and crossovers to detect potential problems early.

According to one study, properly maintained speakers can last an average of 30-50% longer than speakers that are not regularly maintained.

When it comes to repairing old speakers, care and expertise are required. Here are some tips for common problems:

Sound is distorted or distorted:

• Check and clean the connections.
• Check the speaker diaphragm for tears or deformation.
• If the problem persists, the crossover or driver may need to be replaced.

No sound:

• Check connections and cables.
• Check fuse (if applicable).
• Internal electrical circuitry may need to be checked and repaired.

Weak or no bass:

• Check the speaker phase connection.
• Check the woofer surround for cracks or rot.
• The woofer may need to be replaced or the bass reflex system may need to be repaired.

Unclear Treble:

• Check the tweeter for damage.
• Tweeter replacement or crossover repair may be required.

A survey found that 60% of old speaker sound problems can be fixed with simple DIY repairs, while the remaining 40% require professional intervention.

Buying used speakers is a process that requires patience, knowledge, and caution. By following the guidelines and advice in this article, you can greatly increase your chances of finding a quality set of used speakers that fit your needs and budget. Remember, investing the time and effort in a thorough search and inspection will help you avoid potential pitfalls and ensure long-term satisfaction with your choice.

Ultimately, proper maintenance and repair will help extend the life of your old speakers, ensuring you can enjoy great sound quality for years to come. With the knowledge and skills you have learned, you are ready to begin your journey to finding the perfect set of old speakers. Good luck and enjoy your audio!

Frequently Asked Questions.

1. How to evaluate the quality of tweeter on old speakers?

To evaluate the quality of a tweeter, pay attention to the clarity and detail of the treble. Use music with lots of string instruments or percussion to test. A good quality tweeter will reproduce clear tones without sounding harsh at high volumes. According to research by the Audio Engineering Society, a standard tweeter should have a frequency response of 2kHz to 20kHz with no more than ±3dB of deviation.

2. Should you buy used speakers from uncommon brands?

Buying used speakers from lesser-known brands can be a good opportunity if you do your research. Many smaller brands like Quad, Harbeth, or ProAc are highly regarded by audiophiles for their sound quality. However, you should consider the warranty and the availability of replacement parts. According to statistics from What Hi-Fi?, about 15% of high-end speakers are made by smaller brands, but they account for 30% of the choices of discerning listeners.

3. How to check the condition of the crossover on old speakers?

Crossover testing requires specialized equipment and techniques. However, you can:

• Hear smooth transitions between frequency ranges
• Check for loss of sound at certain frequencies
• Look inside the components if possible, looking for signs of oxidation or bulging capacitors.

According to Audio Science Review, about 25% of old speakers over 10 years old have crossover problems, significantly affecting sound quality.

5. How to evaluate the fidelity of old speakers?

To evaluate fidelity, please:

• Use high quality acoustic or live recordings
• Pay attention to the sound space and positioning of instruments
• Compare with actual sounds of instruments if possible
• Check frequency balance by listening to different frequency bands

According to Harman International's research, speakers are considered the most faithful when they have a flat frequency response within ±3dB from 40Hz to 16kHz and harmonic distortion below 1% at a sound pressure level of 90dB.