How "Rare" are Audio Classics, Really



Sellers often say things like "RARE Eucalyptus finish!'" or increasingly RARE and hard to find!

I like to read about cars, where if a certain Porsche or Ferrari numbered only in the hundreds they are indeed more valuable than mass produced models.

Collector cars which number in the single digits can cost more than a nice house in Santa Barbara.

Which makes me wonder: how rare, really, are certain collectible audio components, in terms of their production numbers?

How many Tympani IVa's, Audio Research D70's, Marantz Tuners, McIntosh power amps, Rogers LS35a's etc etc have really been made?

Please note this question applies only to real classics, from reputable manufacturers.

Your purple gull wing doored fiberglass kit car replica of Magnum PIs Ferrari may indeed be "one of kind", just like your garage built electomagnetic shielding devices and custom African hardwood enclosed power stations, but a no reserve auction will quickly confirm the true value of those "rare" items.

What are the most rare, classic audio components, and how many might remain in the world today?
cwlondon
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Most of the classic units have been reproduced with updated parts, leading to much better sound. The 'classic' designs are currently being sold by Cayin/VAS. Their business model is to take the classic designs and reproduce them in a cost effective way. I've owned many Marantz and Mac classics and no way do they sound better then today's units. People who buy the classics are doing a 'collector's' thing, not looking for better sound.
Just a pet peeve: the usual use of "rare" here does not seem to reference vintage collectables of the sort people like Al are interested in, but some or another unusual or custom option -- eg, "rare braised persimmon finish." Not sure why this is even worthy of mention, in many cases, and it usually drives me to click elsewhere: "Sounds like a paint-shaker, but you'll be the only person in your subdivision to have one." Sorry, I feel better now. John

Audiofeil mentions the Ohms which seem pretty rare indeed.

Can anyone else comment on production numbers in more detail?

In cars, I believe anything in the hundreds is pretty low.

Apparently there were only 36 Ferrari 288 GTOs ever made, and they sell in the millons of dollars.
Can anyone else comment on production numbers in more detail?
FWIW, I checked my records on the Marantz pieces I owned during the 1990's. Their serial numbers ranged from about 1,700 to about 10,800. That encompasses a pair of 1's, a pair of 2's, a 7C, a pair of 9's, and two 10B's.

Regards,
-- Al