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What should I pay?

post #1 of 46
4/3/11 at 4:05pm
Thread Starter 
So AVS. As I've stated before. I don't know much about speakers. Actually I don't know anything about them. So when it comes to a purchase i'm about to make. I chose to come here. So heres the issue.

I was recently offered a complete home theater set up. All of it is JBL all are floor standing speakers. They sound rather nice. Just wondering what I good price to pay on this kind of set up. Would like to know how much I should get for all of them. Not by a pair. What are the speakers you ask? Well. Here they are.

They are all the NorthRidge E series. Models are:
EC35-Center Speaker
E60-Surround Left and Right
E100-Main Left and Right
E250P-Subs (2)





So all in all it's a total of 7 speakers. The mains. Surrounds. Center. 2 subs. So what I'm asking is what should I pay for all of these together? Also, are they good speakers? Thanks again.
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post #2 of 46
4/3/11 at 4:34pm
Hi JukeBox360. We used to bump into each other over in the Samsung 8500 forum. Nice to see you again. That looks like a nice set of speakers. JBL does make some very nice speakers. Im not really sure what they are worth. I would have to do a little research on them. Do you think the seller is asking to much for them? One thing I noticed is that the smaller tower on the left seems to have something black on the dust cover. I hope the dust cover is not pushed in. Just something to look for when you can look them over closer. I will post back if I can get an idea of what they are worth. If the price is already really low this could be a steal of a deal.
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post #3 of 46
4/3/11 at 4:53pm
They are fairly decent entry level, JBL speakers - how much is he asking?
That dust cap on that one speaker, has been messed with - I can see
some dents.

The big towers with the center and the 2 subwoofers - use to list for $2,350.
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post #4 of 46
4/3/11 at 5:31pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Secret Squirrel View Post

Hi JukeBox360. We used to bump into each other over in the Samsung 8500 forum. Nice to see you again. That looks like a nice set of speakers. JBL does make some very nice speakers. Im not really sure what they are worth. I would have to do a little research on them. Do you think the seller is asking to much for them? One thing I noticed is that the smaller tower on the left seems to have something black on the dust cover. I hope the dust cover is not pushed in. Just something to look for when you can look them over closer. I will post back if I can get an idea of what they are worth. If the price is already really low this could be a steal of a deal.

Yup. I remember. One of the few 8500 peeps! Woot Woot! Anywho. Yeah. That's a pushed in dust cover. It was pulled back out. I contacted JBL about that speaker and to replace that speaker is only 30 bucks. So I'm not to worried about it. They are in full working order.(I've gotten to test them)

Quote:
Originally Posted by zieglj01 View Post

They are fairly decent entry level, JBL speakers - how much is he asking?
That dust cap on that one speaker, has been messed with - I can see
some dents.

The big towers with the center and the 2 subwoofers - use to list for $2,350.

Hasn't really said a price. Maybe the realize I know nothing about speakers? It sure looks like it would be something pricey. But I have no idea what a "good offer" would e for these things.
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post #5 of 46
4/3/11 at 6:01pm
If I were you, I wouldn't go any higher then $1,200. I wouldn't pay any more then $900.
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post #6 of 46
4/3/11 at 6:16pm
With the little towers - maybe around $3,000 list price. I would offer
no more than $800. I would not pay over $950 period.

In real life for me - my max point is $700.
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post #7 of 46
4/3/11 at 6:58pm
Thread Starter 
Wow. They are really only worth that little? List price of $3000 and still only pay $700? Why so small? Are these speakers no good?
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post #8 of 46
4/3/11 at 7:07pm
The subs and center can be bought for $150 each on ebay. Could not find the towers.

The main reason I wouldn't pay much is the subs. They are not great and not worth much. Offer $600 just for the speakers and build (2) 15" subs for $600.

List price doesn't mean anything. I never pay list.

I just bought $3,000 in NEW speakers and they list for $7,000
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post #9 of 46
4/3/11 at 7:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JukeBox360 View Post

Wow. They are really only worth that little? List price of $3000 and still only pay $700? Why so small? Are these speakers no good?

For entry level in home theater - they can make some one happy.
They are speakers from the past, and are not high-end speakers.
I do not like the small tower, with that dented dust cap on the
woofer. They may be worth more to you than me. The sellar looks
like he may really want to sell them.
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post #10 of 46
4/3/11 at 7:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by unicron-wmd View Post

the main reason i wouldn't pay much is the subs. They are not great and not worth much.

+1
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post #11 of 46
4/3/11 at 8:25pm
Thread Starter 
So how much should I offer for everything except the subs?
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post #12 of 46
4/3/11 at 8:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JukeBox360 View Post

So how much should I offer for everything except the subs?

Offer $550 and settle for $600
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post #13 of 46
4/3/11 at 8:30pm
Thread Starter 
He's going to be pissed. But I'll try. He said he had spent like $3000 on em back in 05. Goes to show how much something can drop in value.
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post #14 of 46
4/3/11 at 8:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JukeBox360 View Post

He's going to be pissed. But I'll try. He said he had spent like $3000 on em back in 05. Goes to show how much something can drop in value.

As the world turns!
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post #15 of 46
4/4/11 at 6:22am
The center speaker looks a little wimpy to me.
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post #16 of 46
4/4/11 at 6:45am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eyleron View Post

The center speaker looks a little wimpy to me.

The set doesn't sound cheap at all. Even without the subs. The base it pretty powerful.
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post #17 of 46
4/4/11 at 7:25am
The Venue Series replaced these for a little while. While not looking as good, they were very similar speakers. The towers similar to the ones on the outside retailed for $440 each and I picked up a pair new when they were ~120 each. If I were you, I'd offer around 600-800 for the whole set. I understand why some people say offer for without the subs, but that really depends on what you are stepping up from. If you haven't had a relatively nice setup before, that set would be a big step up. I'd say up to around 175 extra to get the subs with it would be worth it.
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post #18 of 46
4/4/11 at 8:46am
After researching the speakers further I'm giving you an update from my other post. They are from approximately 2004. They where not super performing back then. The speaker market has changed some from back then. Especially the way subwoofers perform now. Subwoofers have improved as far as performance for the dollar. If you feel you need to offer this person $1500 because he paid $3000 for them new. You would be way better off taking your $1500 and building your own system. You will get better performance, especially from the newer subwoofers you buy. This is not really an amazing deal. Don't feel obligated.
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post #19 of 46
4/4/11 at 9:02am
I bought 2 new pairs of E50s and an EC35 back in 2005 and paid around $675 shipped. That was a good sounding entry level system that was pretty easy to drive. I think you'll be happy with them if you can get them for a decent price.
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post #20 of 46
4/4/11 at 9:05am
Definitely do not pay $1500 for them. I got a pair of PSB Image T6s, an Image C5, and a pair of Alpha B's for $1200 so you can definitely do better for that amount of money. I'd offer around $800 max.
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post #21 of 46
4/4/11 at 9:18am
Yep, I would not pay a penny more than $800 and would probably pay closer to $700. These speakers are just not high end and they are used now. I paid like $1200 for some Polk speakers (rti series and I did not know any better back in 1999) and I was lucky to get $300 for them when I sold them. It is like all electronics. Only few brands/models will reallly hold their value, and a lower level speaker is definitely not going to hold it's value.

Personally I would be more inclined to have you buy some refurbs directly from the Harmon Ebay store and add a sub from SVS, HSU, Epic, eD, etc.
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post #22 of 46
4/4/11 at 9:43am
I find this thread somewhat disturbing. It's comical to see "our own" selling site consist of people who think A/V "stuff" should sell at a fraction of the price we paid for it, yet poo-poo a deal like this.

"Specifics" out of the way; IMO, $1200 would be a very fair price for that set (screw the freaking dust cap. Do any of you even know that is frivolous on that driver?! )

Anyway, anything under $1200, imho, would be a "more than fair" deal. However.....is this a personal deal...or an on-line deal? This makes a huge difference. And sure, you can offer much less....I'm just trying to lend some perspective here. I'd gladly buy...and trade my wife...for that set at only $900! ...despite JBL not being my primary choice.
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post #23 of 46
4/4/11 at 10:33am
I would think that these speakers are fairly comparable to the JBL ES90 speakers. Those typically sell from $170-200 on the Harmon/JBL store at Ebay. But when you consider that these speakers are like-new and come with full warranty from the manufacturer you can see where this is going. The MSRP of these speakers is $599 each.

So what if these speakers were 7 years old and had not warranty? What do you think they should be worth? I would say under $100 apiece.

Again, some speakers and brands will hold their value better. I don't consider the lower end JBL (JBL makes some higher end gear that will hold value better) in that class. I would consider them similar to Polk.
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post #24 of 46
4/4/11 at 10:39am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Secret Squirrel View Post

After researching the speakers further I'm giving you an update from my other post. They are from approximately 2004. They where not super performing back then. The speaker market has changed some from back then. Especially the way subwoofers perform now. Subwoofers have improved as far as performance for the dollar. If you feel you need to offer this person $1500 because he paid $3000 for them new. You would be way better off taking your $1500 and building your own system. You will get better performance, especially from the newer subwoofers you buy. This is not really an amazing deal. Don't feel obligated.

Thanks for taking the time for me.

Quote:
Originally Posted by rygher3 View Post

The Venue Series replaced these for a little while. While not looking as good, they were very similar speakers. The towers similar to the ones on the outside retailed for $440 each and I picked up a pair new when they were ~120 each. If I were you, I'd offer around 600-800 for the whole set. I understand why some people say offer for without the subs, but that really depends on what you are stepping up from. If you haven't had a relatively nice setup before, that set would be a big step up. I'd say up to around 175 extra to get the subs with it would be worth it.

I see. Thanks for the tip. This would be my 1st set.

Quote:
Originally Posted by david118383 View Post

I bought 2 new pairs of E50s and an EC35 back in 2005 and paid around $675 shipped. That was a good sounding entry level system that was pretty easy to drive. I think you'll be happy with them if you can get them for a decent price.

Offering $800

Quote:
Originally Posted by dbx123 View Post

I find this thread somewhat disturbing. It's comical to see "our own" selling site consist of people who think A/V "stuff" should sell at a fraction of the price we paid for it, yet poo-poo a deal like this.

"Specifics" out of the way; IMO, $1200 would be a very fair price for that set (screw the freaking dust cap. Do any of you even know that is frivolous on that driver?! )

Anyway, anything under $1200, imho, would be a "more than fair" deal. However.....is this a personal deal...or an on-line deal? This makes a huge difference. And sure, you can offer much less....I'm just trying to lend some perspective here. I'd gladly buy...and trade my wife...for that set at only $900! ...despite JBL not being my primary choice.

I see what your saying. Side note. This is my 1st real home theater sound system. Everything else I've had has been HTIB. So I know either way for me that this is going to be a major upgrade. As for the dust cap. I can get a brand spanking new one for 30 bucks. Which isn't a deal breaker.

I guess my new question is... Can i buy a better set up for the same price? $800 being the budget? I was offered $800 for the set. Seems a lot of people here seem to agree thats a good price. If I can get something better with the money. Shoot me in the right direction. Otherwise i'll grab this set up. What do you all think?
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post #25 of 46
4/4/11 at 11:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JukeBox360 View Post

Thanks for taking the time for me.


I see. Thanks for the tip. This would be my 1st set.


Offering $800



I see what your saying. Side note. This is my 1st real home theater sound system. Everything else I've had has been HTIB. So I know either way for me that this is going to be a major upgrade. As for the dust cap. I can get a brand spanking new one for 30 bucks. Which isn't a deal breaker.

I guess my new question is... Can i buy a better set up for the same price? $800 being the budget? I was offered $800 for the set. Seems a lot of people here seem to agree thats a good price. If I can get something better with the money. Shoot me in the right direction. Otherwise i'll grab this set up. What do you all think?

Personally I would expect this to be a massive step up for $800 over a HTIB. It will be like night and day.

For $800 you don't have much to lose with this set. That said, you could also piece together a nicer system, but not for $800. The JBL L880/890 series would be a step up and those usually sell on Ebay via the Harman store for $180-400 or so. Through in some decent surrounds and a good sub and you are easily in the $1200 range. There are other deals out there too though like DefTech, Klipsch, etc that you would want to look at.

The Infinity Primsus P362 are great speakers as well for the price and those can be found easily for under $200. At one point during the holidays Frys had a blowout sale on them for $99 each. Lots of deals out there.
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post #26 of 46
4/4/11 at 2:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JukeBox360 View Post

Offering $800

I see what your saying. Side note. This is my 1st real home theater sound system.

While not necessarily my first choice, you are definitely, not being rear ended paying up to $1200 for that complete set ($800 is great). Again, it's humorous that the "for sale" section here seems to have a basic "never farted on" factor, considering prices set by members (read...I'd never buy a G'damn thing from here), but that some here would poo-poo that set of JBLs. Bro, for $800? I'd run with it....just out of value principle. Again, this is despite JBL's not being my first choice. I do not see you crying after the buy.
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post #27 of 46
4/4/11 at 2:44pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbx123 View Post

While not necessarily my first choice, you are definitely, not being rear ended paying up to $1200 for that complete set ($800 is great). Again, it's humorous that the "for sale" section here seems to have a basic "never farted on" factor, considering prices set by members (read...I'd never buy a G'damn thing from here), but that some here would poo-poo that set of JBLs. Bro, for $800? I'd run with it....just out of value principle. Again, this is despite JBL's not being my first choice. I do not see you crying after the buy.

lol, thanks for the heads up. It's nice to see a change in post. I personally believe its a good value. Then again. As I said. I wouldn't know.
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post #28 of 46
4/4/11 at 2:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbx123 View Post

While not necessarily my first choice, you are definitely, not being rear ended paying up to $1200 for that complete set ($800 is great). Again, it's humorous that the "for sale" section here seems to have a basic "never farted on" factor, considering prices set by members (read...I'd never buy a G'damn thing from here), but that some here would poo-poo that set of JBLs. Bro, for $800? I'd run with it....just out of value principle. Again, this is despite JBL's not being my first choice. I do not see you crying after the buy.

I don't understand your point. Not to derail the thread but I could list a $50 pair of white van speakers for $500 in the classified section with the hopes that somebody would buy dumb enough to buy them.

I specifically pointed out to you that a comparable speaker line to what the OP is looking to buy sells for via Harmon on ebay. And those speakers come with a full warranty direct from the manufacturer and a 30 day return policy.

Reality is reality. These speakers are 7 years old. They are nice speakers but comparable brand new ones with a warranty are going for under $200 for the mains. If you factor in the age and lack of warranty these speakers should be worth about half that.

The OP should be able to point to that when he buys the speakers.
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post #29 of 46
4/4/11 at 3:28pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ack_bk View Post

I don't understand your point. Not to derail the thread but I could list a $50 pair of white van speakers for $500 in the classified section with the hopes that somebody would buy dumb enough to buy them.

I specifically pointed out to you that a comparable speaker line to what the OP is looking to buy sells for via Harmon on ebay. And those speakers come with a full warranty direct from the manufacturer and a 30 day return policy.

Reality is reality. These speakers are 7 years old. They are nice speakers but comparable brand new ones with a warranty are going for under $200 for the mains. If you factor in the age and lack of warranty these speakers should be worth about half that.

The OP should be able to point to that when he buys the speakers.

I get what your saying. No warranty and all. Although I'd imagine these things not failing for a long time don't you think?
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post #30 of 46
4/4/11 at 3:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JukeBox360 View Post

I get what your saying. No warranty and all. Although I'd imagine these things not failing for a long time don't you think?

If you want to buy them - then do it. However, for $1200 or
$1500, you can do better and have a warranty too. There is
no guarantee that one of the speakers will not fail.
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