Resale value

 I consider resale. But I try to take the long view, so I also want to be reasonably assured of future support, which requires somewhat more than a small shop.

I sometimes keep things so long the value becomes negligible.  E.g., a $5000 amp I got in 1996 would cost much more than that to replace now.

Seems odd that anyone here would fail to grasp such basic concepts as "investment" and "market maker".  People may say they are "investing" in mental health or happiness or their children or whatever, but it isn't meant literally. They mean they are spending money (an expense) and hope for a benefit (as opposed to a profit, as from an investment).

 Some high end audio equipment consists of assets, but they are depreciating assets. Like your daily driver car, they are not investments.  There are a few exceptions in audio, but they are rare

@lloydc When talking about a child's future, what term would you use in place of "investing?"

lloydc

"investing" in a child's future is not meant literally, It has some of the characteristics of investing, but not all. It's an analogy. The parent doesn't expect to profit from it, it's a gift

Agreed! And of course, in a sense, audio is an investment, because the ROI is the enjoyment of the music. And - perhaps this is the best part - it's a benefit that isn't yet subject to tax. That's sweeeet!