What's going on with the audio market?


Recent retail sales reports are very bad and I am hearing that sales for audio equipment have been nonexistent over the past few months.  I also see more dealers putting items up for sale here and on other outlets.  Even items that have traditionally sold quickly here are expiring without being sold. 

To what would you attribute the slowdown?  Have you changed your buying habits for audio equipment and, if so, why? 
theothergreg
I have been into music and equipment that makes recorded music sound great since the 8th grade (now 30 years since college graduation :)). I have really enjoyed picking and choosing/upgrading my audio gear over the years. As I became more aware of what I liked, I talked to dealers and more learned audiophiles than myself. I have put together a system now that I really enjoy and do not have "upgradinitis". Well, maybe a liitle bug to research more info on cables that do not cost more than my BMW. Even with the false Stock Market highs, the economy for the middle class is not healthy. It seems more dealers are concentrating on a few $100,00.00 sales than many $5,000.00 sales. That said, one can buy (either used or new) a great sounding system for a decent price. I read but do not believe audio magazine reviews and hyped up marketing mumbo-jumbo. It is a tough sell to the younger generations who cannot fathom to actually sit down and listen with heart open to great music. They love their music on the go, at raves/concerts and driving in cars.
With Brexit, now what will happen to British audio?   A buyer's market ahead?
Definitely. Pound is down big time, uncertainty is huge, the dealers will really want to make sales. I usually buy small stuff including cartridges from them. 
I have a good bit of two channel stuff amps and receivers, turn tables and cd players.
After I'm dead they can give it all away or let the trash man have it, but I have two grand kids 14 and 15 I am raising, they know what it is and why it's special, I have no worries about it all.
They also get the big house it's in , they have no video games ,cable tv or cell phones.
They love to read real books and listen to their vintage two channel setups.
They are being raised with a good heathy dose of self reliance and skepticism about the world they will be living in.


With Brexit, now what will happen to British audio?   A buyer's market ahead?

@mapman , where you been? It's been as strong of a buyers market for the last 1+ years as I've ever seen, even going back before Audiogon was created.

Sure. things can always get worse, but how much can you buy if nothing is selling? After a year of taking advantage of a buyers market, I now have to stop as nothing will sell. What looked like a steal only 6 months ago (60-75% off list) now has to be given away at another 25-30% loss.

As a seller ( and a buyer), I have halted buying until the market recovers a bit, and I can sell some of my extra gear.
Now if gear starts selling for 10% of list, I may be tempted to buy some more. ;^)