How we grade used line array speakers: A, B and C explained
Cosmetic grade is the first thing buyers ask about and the last thing that tells you whether a cabinet will survive another tour. Here is how the three grades are applied in our workshop.
What a grade actually covers
A grade describes cosmetic condition, not electrical health. We separate the two on purpose: a Grade C cabinet can pass every electrical test, and a Grade A cabinet can still have a tired driver. Buyers who read the grade as a warranty will be disappointed.
Our grades are defined against the original finish, not against other used units on the market.
Grade A
Grade A means 90% or better of the original cosmetic condition. Light rack rash on the rear panel is acceptable. Grilles are straight, corners are intact, no repaint, no missing badges, no deep scratches visible from the audience side. Units in this grade usually come from fixed installations, theatres and churches rather than touring fleets.
Grade B
Grade B is the normal touring grade: 70–90% of original condition. Expect scuffed corners, paint chips on the rigging hardware, a few scratches on the sides, and grilles that have been straightened. Nothing structural. This is where most rental-fleet inventory lands, and it is the best value for buyers who care about sound per dollar rather than resale appearance.
Grade C
Grade C is 50–70%: visible road wear, dents on non-structural panels, faded paint, possibly a replacement grille. It is sold as fully functional with faults documented. Grade C makes sense for installs where the cabinet is hidden, for spare inventory, or for buyers who plan to repaint.
The part that matters more than the grade
Every cabinet gets a driver sweep before it is listed. We record impedance per driver, listen for rub and buzz at low and high excursion, and check horn alignment. If a driver is weak, it is replaced with an original part or the unit is sold as spares. That test record travels with the cabinet and is available before you pay the balance.
How to use the grade when negotiating
Ask for the serial number, the test sheet and photos of all four sides. A seller who only sends one flattering photo is telling you something. If you need matching cabinets for a hang, ask for the impedance and sweep results side by side — matching cosmetics is easy, matching drivers is not.
What we do not grade
We do not grade accessories. Flight cases, bumpers and link cables are described separately because a Grade A cabinet can arrive in a case that has done ten years of service. Ask what is included before comparing prices.