Amateur inherited an audio system...


Recently I've inherited an audio system. I have no idea of what they are, I have never heard any of the brand names before, but upon checking on the internet I've found out they are somewhat high quality units. It consisted of Meridian 506 CD Player, Forte Forty-Four Pre-amp, Forte Fifty-Five Amp, Velodyne Sub and a pair of Rogers LS3/5A speakers. Some friend suggested I check out Audiogon.com, but as far as I can see most of the stuff are WAY over my head. Now that I found out about their value, my girlfriend is pressuring me to sell it, my question is.. Should I keep the system or sell it? It sounds very nice but my girlfriend keeps saying I don't need anything this fancy. Also, if I am going to sell it, is it better selling it as a system or piece-by-piece? Is eBay good for something like this? Any idea will be appreciated. Sorry for being so shallow, I really don't know much about high end audio... Thank you very much in advance.
raycc
Dont listen to your girlfriend,she may be seeing dollar signs,for her to spend!Without regard to how much enjoyment you might get out of it,,,for years to come!That is,,,if you enjoy music!
You may as well hear the system for what it really is BEFORE you make any decision to sell it, and to do that you will need to have the system properly set up; otherwise you may well be making a decision to sell based on improper setup resulting in those components sounding far below their potential (and possibly not much better than a Bose system). If I were you, I would post your general location; I'm sure that there may well be a friendly, knowledgeable Audiogoner who would be more than happy to assist you in getting at least a semi decent setup of the system in your room so that you can fully appreciate what you may or may not be giving up.
I will go with the others in saying KEEP IT!

Giving it a whirl before even deciding to sell it is a very sound advise by Unsound.

The Rogers LS3/5a are very much sought after speakers as there is a cult following for them. There is a group of 1500 folks who share the joys of these legendary speakers. I also happen to own two pairs from different era. Some can fetch as high as Two Thousand Dollars, depending on when they were produced, their specs and the finish. Just to give you a hint, if they are in rosewood finish, Pre 1980 models, having a 15 Ohm rating and in pristine condition, yes they would fetch close to that figure. If they were Chartwells instead of Rogers they would fetch around Two Thousand Five hundred or so. During the economic boom in the Far East in mid 90's the price for them was something like $4,500/pair!

The most common types are the Rogers LS3/5a's, post 1990 models in teak finish which in worst case scenario could fetch between $600-900. Of course they need to be in reasonable condition and not damaged or tinkered with.

I do not want you to be taken for a ride, so I mentioned it.

Lastly and again I would insist that you please keep the system, have fun with it for a while and than make up your mind, if at all you should decide to sell them.
Some thoughts for you. Listena to the system. Then see what happens by putting some lesser quality piece in it do you notice any differance and do you care. If you do not care about the change sell the piece. If you do you are on your way to keeping a nice if fancy set up that should last for years.You have something that you may or may not care to build on your own in the future. You have it now, see it you enjoy it first before deciding what to do with it.
Sounds like you'd be better off selling your girlfriend and keeping this nice system. Maybe she's too fancy to keep around if she doesn't appreciate your good fortune.

Ebay is often better to sell as people get into the auction mode, bidding up prices beyopnd where they should be and prices get higher than you'll see here. Sell piece-by-piece for best return.

Priced right, things sell pretty quick here, but set the system up, and if you enjoy it, appreciate your good fortune and enjoy your system, without the annoying pink noise you're apparently experiencing.