2. amps-preamps
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Buy a $40,000 10 year old amp for $4,000 or new amp for same money?

Hi. There are bargains to be had on really high-end components that are more than a few years old. DACs change too much and we need the newer technology. How about amps and pre-amps? I know it can depend on the specific amp but in general is a 10 year old amp that was $40,000 in 2009 and now sell for $4,000 a better value than a new amp that sells for $4,000 in 2019?  How much has amplification evolved in the past decade or so? (I posted a similar questions about speakers in that forum). Thanks for all the input and wisdom. 
mcmanus
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
I think we can safely say that audio equipment is a terrible investment.
larrykell
122 posts
 
Who in the world buys audio equipment as an investment, and thinks that gear will appreciate? As long as the sound quality doesn’t degrade, it runs for years, and doesn’t break, I’m a happy guy. 

People who buy used gear help other people buy new gear. 

I always hated buying cars, another depreciating asset, so I moved to some place where I didn’t need to own a car. 

I won’t give up my stereo, though. 
steve59's avatar
steve59
1,789 posts
 
Personally I think 10 years for amps is around the time sending the unit in for a upgrade is prudent. If I saw a $40k amp for $4k that I was familiar with I would email the manufacturer and get the cost of refurbishing the unit, say $2k to replace questionable caps. Now whats out there for $6k?  
petg60
1,486 posts
 
Hi,
@luxmancl38, my intention was not to check your maths but to state that not all amps depreciate that fast. AVR's do because most work in digital domain they are plentiful-they are a bad investment, excellent tube and ss are not.
Generally amps depreciate much slower than cars.

luxmancl38
580 posts
 
I found it humorous. I'm in retail and I have lots of customers that can't figure out 40% off. Actually I've made money on older amps. I had a Forte 4A amp I bought for $499 and sold it about 8 years later for $750. 
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