[JimC]

Having glanced through some of the reports from CES 2007, it sounds like
there were lots of interesting speakers being demonstrated - many
(most?) selling for some pretty incredible prices. I'm interested in
high end sound (this is, after all, the audio.high-end ng), and although
I could afford it, my wife would go berserk if I suggested looking at
speakers for $30K or more. On the other hand, I'm not very excited by
decent, "good for the price" smaller speakers with limited dynamic range
and restricted bass.

On Ebay and Audiogon, there are listings of speakers considered good a
few years ago, as well as some more current ones. I'm wondering whether
anyone on the ng has bought older speakers on Ebay or elsewhere, and, if
so, whether you were satisfied with your experience. Obviously, results
would depend on the particular speaker and its condition, etc. For those
who have, what did you do to ensure that the speakers were in good
condition before ordering them?

For example, currently or recently listed speakers on Ebay include
several Klipsh corner horn speakers that seem to be in good condition
(selling for around $1200 - $1,500), B&W Nautilus 804s and 803, 805's,
several Von Schweikert VR-4's, etc. Also, fairly new PSBs and Paradyms
(sp), etc. There are also some older classics such as the Electrovoice
corner-horn Georgians, and the big JBL's and Bozaks. As to whether or
not the sound would be satisfying, I'm thinking that though it's not up
to modern standards as far as accuracy, presence, sound-stage, etc., it
would be fun to listen my Stone records on some of the big corner horns,
in a second system.

In addition to the above, there were several interesting speakers at
reasonable prices that I had never heard of, such as the Streem (tall,
column floor-standing speakers), Divincis, and Eclipse. - Anyone heard
any of these? Also, there were some more expensive but clearly high-end
speakers, including the MacIntosh XR-290 and the Von Schweikert VR10.
Here we are getting up in the $20K - $30K range, but the VR10 is a
pretty elaborate system.

Anyone care to comment on how some of these older systems would compare
with current speakers (comparing new speakers to used speakers selling
in the same price range)? Perhaps someone can tell me I'm reminiscing
about the good old days through rose colored glasses, and that if I
actually heard them side-by-side, I would forget the whole matter. -
Still, I keep wondering what my Stone records, Kind of Blue, etc., would
sound like on a pair of Klipsh or EV corner horns. (I'll continue
listening to my classical collection through my MG-3.6/Rs.)

Jim