hifi as investment?


Well sort of. I am just starting out in this hobby and having already exchanged a few used components I bought here and later sold- sometimes for the same amount I paid- sometimes for more-

Seeing this has made me consider the idea that one could approach this hobby's acquisitions as a sort of currency. Considering the ease with which many popular components are sold- SCD-1, De Capos, etc. I have begun to realize that it is possible to approach an expensive system with the rational (if art is not enough) that ridiculously expensive components are just another form of money- a temporary resting place for your reserves (of course this considers purchasing used and at a fair price).

I'm looking for nominations. What components are most depreciation proof once they have taken the hit of being used? I want to rationize an absurd purchase and enjoy my monetary reserves while retaining my safety net.

Does anyone else approach it like this? Used Elrods? Don't get me wrong, I'm doing it for the love of music, but a $15000 system requires some consideration of financial prudence right?
wheeler
You're going to spend and probably lose money in this hobby. The upside is you get to enjoy your expenditures. If you want to invest in audio, try collecting popular rare NOS tubes, old collectible vinyl records, and possibly some sought-after vintage gear.
Perhaps the title threw off my intention for this thread. I wasn't actually suggesting that you could make money in this hobby buying and selling.

What I meant was that I like the fact that I can pick up a used pair of De Capos for $1500 and sell them for $1500 a year later. I enjoy them and they actually cost me nothing except for shipping. Maybe I sell them for $1400. Oh well. If you take this up another level it becomes interesting in that I can enjoy some $5000 amp bought used and sell it later for about the same thing.

I'm looking for items that are particulary strong in this regard. A place to "put" my money and take it out later if I want easily enough.

TTs seem like they fit the bill well. What else? Maybe some power cords?
As long as you are willing to forego food clothing and reasonable lodging there is no reason you cannot enjoy this hobby and not have it conflict with other aspects of your life. Actually making money though is doubtful!
Do a search for "free audio" and see what you find, I am not sure what you will find, but the concept is out there. This opportunity has been around for quite awhile. Linn Kan II loudspeakers are a prime example of a product that has a large enough following and the used price holds its own for years. Obviously there are a lot of vintage products that fall into the same category. Digital sources will not sustain their resale price point for too long due to improving technology.