Llewelyn, I'm going to fix them since I have a soft spot for B&O stuff in need of repair as can be seen in

You all seem very quick to blame the shipping company.

Clearly, the shipping company did not cut the first pair. I suggest that the damage to the second pair was caused by insufficient/wrong type packaging to enable the items to withstand the rigours of the courier system.

I am not a lover of those polystyrene lumps, unless sufficient can be used to provide, I suggest,  at least 100mm cover, preferably more,  all around the item in question. I have found that they have a tendency to move in transit and allow the item to gradually move nearer to the bottom of the box. Either that, or an insufficient amount was placed under the item at the boxing stage.

Small bubble wrap is useless.

My favourite is the large bubble wrap and plenty of it. Again, where possible, I suggest at least 100mm cover, preferably more, all around the item, to provide the correct cushioning effect.

I have found that the number of boxings is largely irrelevant, it is the thickness of the padding that is the critical factor.

Get the packing/cushioning right and you can safely use any of the courier companies.

The first pair wasn't damaged by FedEx at all. It was damaged by the company that packaged it (in this case, a 3rd party packing company hired by the seller), I think we're getting messed up with semantics. In the States we have companies that do packaging and act as agents for shipping companies such as UPS and FedEx. They admitted fault and agreed to pay for damages (although, there are no original parts to be sourced).

The blame for my second pair is shared with both the seller and FedEx. The seller added about 3" thick of large bubble wrap around each speaker as well was polysytyrene "peanuts." Unfortunately, he oriented the speakers vertically which allowed the weight to be placed on the corners of the speakers. FedEx also dropped the box and there is a good deal of evidence of this to the cardboard. However, FedEx isn't liable since the seller forgot to purchase insurance.

In any case, these speakers are difficult for inexperienced folks to ship. 

If you buy another pair, the amplifiers should be detatched and packed in another box.

Absolutely agree, but realistically I think I'll try to find one within driving distance one day. I try to give as much direction as possible to the seller without assuming liablity for the packing process - but alas, it hasn't worked. Thanks for the packing tips though. Cheers!