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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
wheeler OP
16 posts
 
Krell and Levinson SS Amps make sense.

I've mentioned and am leaning toward the SCD-1 (maybe the 777es). These things sell within an hour of posting. Also, its such a beast of a player for $2000 and it has already come down quite a bit from $5000.

One thing though is that the risk increases a bit with speakers like the Avalon Eidolons. You could easily lose a couple grand in a year on those I would think. Perhaps the optimal price range for this "free ride" strategy might be more in the 2500-5000 range for each component.
roggiedog
16 posts
 
Wheeler,
I pretty much try to minimize my losses when buying and selling. It seems that digital gear and full range speakers are the ones I expect to take a loss on. Speakers eat up a lot of money on shipping and tend to get hurt during shipping. Digital stuff is like the computer industry IMO, and is always based on the flavor of the year and latest technology buzz.
corona
132 posts
 
Wheeler:
I made my entrance into audio in 1956. I can safely say your idea is not unique. There is an old saying,"After you drain the swamp,then you discover the alligators."
pbb
1,140 posts
 
Audio as an investment? You have to be kidding. Spotted a Château Palmer 1972, if I remember correctly, the other day and was astounded that the asking price was around $495 a bottle. I bought one around 1982, the time I bought my house, and remember paying something like $50.00 for it. Now that is something that appreciates. Have you ever heard of any piece of audio equipment (except maybe for the very exceptional product like tube tuners) that do anything other than depreciate? Counting yourself lucky because what you bought depreciates less than something else you may have gotten is not a proper yardstick to measure an investment. I suspect you have fallen prey to sellers of high priced goods that like to call an "expense" an "investment", to provide the customer that little extra push to get the person into a comfort zone and to sign on the dotted line. Oh, and as for my investment in the Bordeaux, well my wife and I drank it way before it appreciated in any degree. C'est la vie
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
When I was 4 or 5 I curiousely dismembered a gromophone that was probably bought by mom of my grandma. It realy was functioning properly. Now I realize that that piece might've had an appreciation nowdays. What a fool was I!
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