Buying a second hand headphone, when not to pull the trigger? (Need advice)

[The Third]

Hello dear Head-Fi'ers ,
I have the oppertunity to buy a used HE-500 for 275 euro's (MSRP was around 600 I believe). Pretty good price if you ask me, only thing is that
it's not in mint condition and has some cosmetic damage marks like shown in the attachment pics.
I am a bit hesitant to buy it but at the same time the HE-500 is very rare and if I ever find a good mint HE-500 this cheap one could be a good backup if the drivers ever fail.
What is your opinion on buying second hand headphones and what is your limit concerning when buying one?

 

[Brainiac9000]

Are you buying headphones for the looks or the sound? That's the approach I take in these situations. Also, restoration can be fun.

 

[Malevolent]

In such situations, the function of the device cannot be directly measured; hence, you can only assess the purchase on its form and/or condition. For me, I usually refrain from buying second-hand items that have visible signs of use; for example, scratches, nicks or marks. However, if these physical issues do not bother you, and the price is good, but not too good, consider getting them, then. The used audio market is full of items waiting for a new home.

 

[SilverEars]

At least for me, those small cosmetic blemishes really don't bother me. For used, I wouldn't expect mint, and those minor blemishes shouldn't be a dealbreaker.

Then again I'm not OCD, and find it minor in cosmetic issues. You'd have to get really close to see them.

At the kind of used priced they go for, I wouldn't expect mint, but also wouldn't want large damages. That looks like close to nothing for the used price they are going for. It's getting nitpicky if that minor of cosmetic issue is a big deal for such price.

 

[The Third]

Are you buying headphones for the looks or the sound? That's the approach I take in these situations. Also, restoration can be fun.

I pulled the trigger. By any chance, is it physically possible to move the HE-500 drivers into the chasis of the HE-400 without it affecting the sound?

 

[bagwell359]

I pulled the trigger. By any chance, is it physically possible to move the HE-500 drivers into the chasis of the HE-400 without it affecting the sound?

500 shell made of different material, diff resonances.

I bought my HE-500 used for like $360 used over 3 years ago, the headband was a little beat. They had the fuzzor mod, which to me is a sign of serious listener that was liable to take care of them. They are bullet proof.

I got a HEX v2 for $712 with a replacement cable after the price had gone to $1200. Very nice shape. Working fine for 2.5 yrs.

Bought a used pair of ProAc Tablette's from the mid/late 80's in '95 and they work fine. I changed the caps back around '12 just because. 25 years working fine.

I have more stories. Used is good. I don't do business with anyone that seems shady or won't allow returns. What's your recourse?

 

[The Third]

Thanks for all the analogies on the matter. Sound quality comes first but of course I would have preffered the aestethics to be in a state of mint condition: it gives more value to the headphone and can be a sign that the headphone was treated well. Furthermore the HE-500 is very rare now and I can't just find replacement parts in the likes of a modular hd-25. But the owner showed signs of honesty as he offered me to pass by for a test drive. Initially his asking price was 350 euro but due to the low demand in this coronavirus crisis and what not, I was able to haggle my way to 280 euro's including shipping costs. Original case and both pads will be included and those look in good condition too so I suspect he simply was clumsy when physically handling the can. Cheers guys.

 

[The Third]

I now received the HE-500 bought for 280 euro's including shipping. Works like a charm, sound is amazing already out of my LG V40, cosmetic damage seems easy to restore. Now on short impressions, the E-MU Teak and HE-500 sound surprisingly alike, that is smooth and coherent, with the Teak having more impact and the HE-500 more spaciousness and layering as planars tend to have.

 

[elvergun]

Nice...I like stories with happy endings.