it is always nicer to buy brand new ... however, when buying lower budget items due to financial restraints, I would rather buy 2nd hand (be it speakers or amps or cdp or even cables)
A typical example as of today:...
if I were looking at spending £7000 on a good pair of brand new speakers, I would personally rather have very close look at
these 2nd hand older Dynaudio Consequence MKII speakers for £7000
they cost £18000 new a few years back ....
same applies to cheaper speakers ...2nd hand older gives you more value
another example ... I would rather take a chance and spend £200 on an old pair of B&W DM2 speakers than a brand new pair of wharefdale diamonds ...
so when comparing old speakers and hifi to new, current price should be factored into the equation