There's an Epic 80 v.2 available locally that I'm going to go look at tomorrow. The seller is asking $1400.

Seems like a good starting price to me but wanted to get some other opinions.

Thanks.

Which sub does it have?

How old is it? will you be able to hear the whole system to verify all the speakers are working properly?

Sub is the 500 and yes I will be able to listen to the entire system. Depending on all the variables, I think this might be a fair price but not sure.

It seems like a pretty good deal. As long as everything is in good shape. It is 5.1 or 7.1? What is the finish on the speakers?

If everything is in good order, I think it's a very good deal.

I agree

It sounds like a good deal. If it's less than 2-3 yrs old, it's an even better deal, assuming everything's in decent shape as Bruno mentioned.

While I think the price is fair I think it is bad negotiating (or lack of negotiating) if you immediately pay full price. If it is in good working order I would be prepared to pay 1400, but offer 1200. Who knows, maybe you will save 100-200 dollars?

And for curiosity sake, ask why it's being sold.

It's very good price imo, new it's a bit over $3400, that's in 5.1.

I just found out the speakers were bought in 2006 so probably no warranty left but according to him, haven't been used much. It's a 5.1 in cherry.

I'm going to look tomorrow and if they're in good condition, I'll offer $1000-$1100. He's being relocated and needs to move but I don't know how desperate he is. I don't want to take advantage of him but I also want the best deal possible.

They wouldn't have a warranty if they were 6 months old. Axiom does not transfer their warranty to a second owner.

yup, warranty for original owner only.

Oh, take advantage and have no regrets (unless we are talking a forum regular here). The cheaper the better!

I just found out that the speakers are bubble wrapped and he already sold all his electronics so I can't listen to them. Too bad, I was really looking forward to getting the sub especially!!

Sooo, I'll keep looking. I'm sure they're in great condition and all, but I won't buy speakers without hearing them, at least not with cash from an individual who's moving.........

That's probably a wise move.

Though it's too bad you can't hear them.

You could try the EP500 fairly easily. I think this would work.... Take an iPod or other MP3 player and a mini-to-RCA split plug, plug one of the RCA's into the sub's input, plug the sub in, and fire it up. You should get the bass from whatever you're playing. That should at least tell you if the sub functions and the level controls work. Start with iPod volume & EP500 gain all the way down. Adjust appropriately to make sure it rocks.

I don't think that would hurt the EP500, but perhaps others can chime in.

Speakers are harder to test without an amp, obviously. Your seller has made a bit of a mistake in bubble-wrapping them - it's going to be a hard sell if the buyer can't test them.

But if that sub's good, I'd almost be willing to gamble on the rest if they're cosmetically perfect; cones, finish, posts, etc. Almost. Buying speakers without hearing them is usually asking for trouble. But what's the worst that could be wrong? Blown drivers? Axiom does sell replacements, so you would be able to fix that. Perhaps call Axiom and get some quotes on replacement drivers & crossovers. Get an idea of what you might possibly have to spend to repair them. Then factor that into an offer for the seller.

If it all works perfectly, that's a heck of a lot of system for ~$1,400. An EP500 alone, new, is $1,240. M80's are another $1,300+. And that's not even considering the VP150 or the QS8's.

Most folks that spend that kind of money on speaker take very good care of them. I'd take the chance.

We Midwesterners. Too nice & trusting of others.

Could be Peter.

I would find a way to borrow an amp and go test them. I agree, it's a heck of a system for this price. Although, I agree that people that spend this kind of money usually take care of their system, I'm still suspicious as why he already wrapped everything. If he is into this hobby, he should understand that people will want to hear the system. JMO.

After talking with him, here's what I think. He says he used this system very little because he worked all the time and is being relocated for work. He wrapped them to have them ready to move. I don't think he's an audiophile or even thought about people wanting to listen to them. He just wants to sell them. If they are in as good condition as he says, I may go ahead and buy them. It could be a great deal... I can't imagine that all of the drivers are blown but I guess they could be. I think he has a lot of money and bought a good system and maybe just didn't use it that much.

Hope and pray I'm right!!!!!!!!

Shouldn't be too hard to unwrap the speakers. Go buy a cheap avr to test them with, use an ipod feed or just the radio to ensure all drivers are working then take the receiver back or use it in another room of the house.

Or, buy a cheap receiver from BB, then return it. "Didn't like it. Too cheap!"

and I was worried that if I suggested that, people would accuse me of abusing the system

Yeah, well, that would be abusing the system...

Well I have done that at BB before and totally got beat up on the forums for doing it. Personally I thought it was OK, but..............

I saw the speakers. He had taken them out of the wrap and they looked absolutely brand spanking new. He had them listed on ebay starting at $1400 with a bin of $1750 but didn't get any bids so I was going to offer him $1200 cash on the spot. But first I asked him how firm he was with the $1400 and he said that was only his opening price. His bin was $1750 and he that was what he wanted. He said he might go down to $1700.

Still a great price but I'm home now with no speakers...........

Even at $1700 it's a good deal.

That's screwy, though. Advertising at one price and then telling someone in person it's more, that's just messed up.

Sort of like advertising a sweet rental at $1000 on CL and listing it somewhere else for $3500... bastards.

bait and switch, in this case he switched the price.

I've bought stuff at BB and taken it back, but it was either because I couldn't get it to work right, or I changed my mind and wanted a different one.

He was probably following this thread and knew he should be getting more for it.

Did he offer the speakers at $1400 to you? Or did you assume he would take $1400 for them?

His opening bid was $1400 on ebay and he didn't get any bids so I thought offering $1400 was a fair price but he wouldn't go lower than $1700. He has them back on ebay starting at $1400 so I'm hoping he doesn't get any bids and calls me to come get them. Ya'll don't go bid on them!!!!!

Beautiful set of speakers and well taken care of. One problem is that he isn't desperate for the money.

I'll think about it over the weekend but I don't think I'd pay the $1700 although they're still probably worth that.

Bid $1400 for them and see what happens.

I'm hoping to be the first bidder as the auction ends and win them for $1400.

The EP500 sure is smaller than I envisioned......

Set up a snipe on the rascal.

smaller, but very potent.

After some of the unimaginable crap I have gone through (and loads of others I know), I don't think it's possible to abuse BB or its "system." Especially, since their system includes chronically trying to resell returns that are defective, incomplete, or worse. I can't get back all that travel time or gas.

The salespeople are among the following: habitual liars (I might be too, for $8.75 per hr.) at worst, misinformed (or cognitively challenged) for average, and, if you're lucky, there are the one or two people who actually know anything, and, therefore, are always busy.

I think they suck in general. They are my last resort before, inevitably, I go online. But then, they can do whatever they please, 'cause they're the only game in so many towns.

That is the max I would pay as well, without listening to them. You might need a little $ in reserve if you had to buy a new amp for the sub from Axiom.

I personally wouldn't pay anything for them if I couldn't listen to them first.

I have purchased used speakers from Audiogon before without listening to them. Maybe I just got lucky, but I had no problems.

I've bought speakers through ebay and audiogon without listening and have never had any issues so I'm not too worried about that. I examined these speakers very closely and they look perfect. I didn't open them up so yes there's a chance there is something wrong but I'm not concerned about that in this sale.

There are a number of other variables to consider in any sale. This situation looks OK. My issue is price. His opening bid on ebay is $1400 and his bin is $1750. He emailed me yesterday to tell me some other people are interested and would I go $1500. My offer right now is $1200 so we're still a ways apart.

I'm back in Austin on Friday so if they are still available, I'll see what he'll take. I won't go over $1300 and if no one buys them, I think he'll take that or less.

Sounds like a good plan.

+1, good plan.

Was this seller a car salesman? His tactics feel a little like we're sitting in a showroom. Maybe I'm misreading this, but from the opening this-is-the-price-oops-no-it's-just-an-opening-bid shenanigans to this new there's-another-buyer game, well, it all seems a little like buying a car at a sleazy dealership. Not that you can't win, just that patience is definitely needed.

He has a right to get the best price, I'm just on your side because you're here and he isn't.

Still sounds like a good deal, and they're great speakers, just good luck dealing with the seller.

I don't want to beat this to death but I hate to give up what seems like a great deal on these speakers.

Even with the issues, it still seems like a great price. These are v2, look brand new but are a few years old so here's my estimate on worth:
M80s-$700
VP150-$300
QS8s-$300
EP500-$700

That's $2k but I have no idea so these prices may be way off.

He just raised his minimum on ebay to $1500. I asked him about that and he said he realized he was giving these away even at $1500 or even at the bin of $1750.

I'm going to look at them again on Friday if they don't sell and are still available.

Dude is totally jerking your chain. I understand the desire to get a good deal, and I'm sure this is killing you, but I would watch out for further scamminess from this guy.

I would watch the auction website, Axiom has killer deals on brand new V2 speakers from time to time, you might be able to put a system togethor over time that will have a warranty.

If he is "giving them away" at $1500 or $1750 then how come they are still up for sale on ebay...?

Just tell the dude you have 1400 cash. You'll buy them for that amount, but only after you have had a chance to test them to make sure there is nothing wrong with them. (not to listen to them to find out if you like the way they sound). That is a fair price. To try and "get the best deal" has about the same moral aptitude as someone trying to rip off a buyer. Buying / selling is a two way street. Tire kicking low ballers have as much integrity as scammers.

$1400 is where I started and I would still go that much. Don't know if he'll drop from $1500 or not. I have owned all the Axiom speakers so I don't need to listen to them to hear how they sound, only to hear them to make sure they work OK. He doesn't have any electronics so I'm going to have to take my own.

This can be a win win for both of us, especially if these don't sell on ebay again.

You can also point out to the seller that if they sell on eBay, he's going to owe eBay a percentage on the sale. I don't know what the fees are these days, but it can be significant on a $1,000+ transaction. I haven't sold anything on eBay in years, but IIRC, eBay & PayPal would usually get somewhere around 8%-10% of the total sale price; listing + insertion + auction close + PayPal fees.

So, a $1,400 cash-in-hand, local-pickup, do-it-right-now-sale will probably net him more than a $1,500 eBay auction, especially if PayPal is involved.

Good point!

Yes that is a great point. ebay end of auction is now at 9% so that's $135 on $1500. It's local pickup only so he might not take paypal but that's another 3%-$45 so we're almost back to $1300.

Hey, I like this!!!!!

Well that didn't work so I came home empty handed. BUT they still haven't sold so we'll see if he emails me back.

Then offer him $1200

Offer the $1400 if you can test the speakers. If he says no, give him your number and say something like "If you change your mind, you'll have my number"

Almost always, the person will call the next day. Dont let him sucker you into paying more than you feel comfortable with (or can afford).

Set your price, give him your info, walk away. If he is patient, he can probably find people that will go over you. If he is like most people, he will take the easy route and just sell to you.

That's pretty much what I did when I left there the other day. He has my email and I told him to let me know if he wanted to sell them for $1400 if they didn't sell on ebay. They didn't sell but I haven't heard from him yet. He may have sold them already but I'm going to email him again tonight to confirm.

It would be a great deal but if it doesn't work out, there will be other deals.

Well, we're both at the end of our ropes on this deal. He won't take less than $1500 and I'm just not there.

Too bad because he has one set of beautiful, mint speakers for a very good price.

You guys are so close on price, you should be able to work something out.

*scribbles down note to look up Epic 80 on eBay to buy for $1500*

*scribbles down note to look up **mint** Epic 80 on eBay to buy for $1550*

*scribbles down note to send that woman to meet Rick at the OTHER Publix*

Soooo I just caved and offered $1500... Yes I do want these speakers....

You got a great deal.

Ditto.

$1500 is still a good deal, post som epics when you have it set up

It was only $1500 when he wasn't willing to offer $1500. Now it's $1600.

Charles:

He just emailed me back and agreed to the $1500. He said he was going to wait and hold out for more but since we had already discussed that price, he would honor it.

As a buyer, I am obviously happy with the $1500 and as I told him, he should be happy as a seller to get that much since he received zero bids on ebay running 2-10 day auctions even at $1400.

So, I'm out of town until next Thursday and can't go get them until next Friday....

I will post some pictures once I get them and get them set up....

For 1500 that is a good deal, especially for what all you are getting. Heck, even if you had to replace a driver or whatever some day, it stil is worth it. Think about what all that would cost new, or even from the auction.

Great deal, congratulations!

Indeed. $1,500 is still a great deal. Congrats!

An Epic 80 -500 system for less than 50% of new cost?
http://www.axiomaudio.com/epic80_500.html

And there was actually debate about paying $1400 or $1500?
Most audio buyers/resellers i know typically are happy if they get an item for 25-30% less than new for equipment less than 5 years old let alone mint condition.

You must be part Manitoban.
Cheapest buggers i've ever met.
I actually had a friend who went into Sears to buy some pillows on sale (ON SALE!) and haggled them down to ten bucks from the twenty dollar sale price because he believed there was a two for one sale the week prior.
Really?
For ten bucks?
From a guy who makes 60k a year?
Sunday morning garage sale shoppers around here out number daily visitors to Walmart.

Well, yes I might have been a bit anal about the negotiations!!!

Here are the prices I'm thinking of asking if I sell. Are they fair and in line. I'll probably keep some of the Axioms and some of my current setup and sell parts of both
M80s-$700
VP150-$300
QS8s-$300
EP500-$800

I'll offer you $1200 for all.

Gotta be careful using terms like that in these forums. Certain folk get excited, but we won't mention names.

Gosh, I feel......uhmmmmmmm........honored?????

I think the price on the 500 is a bit high. Look around at other online subs that sell for $800 brand new with warranty. I personally wouldn't touch it for that much.

Cgwolf: Are you serious about selling any of that? I am somewhat local (Beaumont, about 4.5 hours away near the LA border) and am looking to get into my first home theatre setup. I have another thread going right now in the Advice forum, but depending on what you have for sale I just might be interested. PM me if you'd like. If we can come to an agreement on equipment and prices, it would be easy for me to make a drive over there or to meet halfway in Houston or somewhere thereabouts. Let me know.

EDIT: Just want to be clear that I'm interested in Axioms only at this point, so if you're considering selling parts of your current setup that are not Axiom, I'd be less interested. If you are deciding to sell, for instance, the M80s, or any other Axiom equipment in good condition, then I think we should talk.