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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
joelj
12 posts
 
I have a friend who is an audiophile and is now 80 years old. He told me that if he did not get as audio crazy as he did he would have owned 3 other homes. He mentiooned that he was changing high end speakers 4 times a year, amps pre amps etc... looking for that perfect sound. Though he enjoys the hobby, there does seem to be a tinge of regret in his voice when he realizes he had gone oveboard. My 2 cents worth is spend only what you are willing to lose. If you make money at the end of the day then Great. If not, then you have enjoyed your system with no regrets :)
pragmatist
336 posts
 
As a dabbler in value investing,I define an investment as something that produces a dividend, an interest,or a rent, that I buy when it's undervalued and plan to sell when it's overvalued.
Wines,art works,coins,precious metals,and audio equipment do not fall within that definition. I say that as a wine drinker,an oil painting owner,a coin spender,and an audio nut.
With the exeception of those rare things mentioned in previous posts,audio pieces will be depreciating assets. You can attempt to reduce the depreciation by buying one generation old,used pieces for what supply and demand dictate. Let the original buyer overpay.
Free advice and possibly well worth it,get what you like,don't overpay for it,and enjoy it,but don't confuse it with investing.
bemopti123
303 posts
 
Yes, you can invest on HIFI and make some substantial money. My strategy...buy the pieces that you will keep and appreciate the longest...therefore, pieces that are not a FAD......listen to it to your satisfaction and refrain from ever buying the same type of gear again. You will make big bucks...that means, you will not spend money investing in more gear, that will be gathering dust and increasing your debts or your capital equity. This is the ONLY WAY to make money, unless you become a dealer and buy things on the cheap for your own listening and then, sell them used, still getting the price above what you have paid for the piece, wholesale.

PAUL
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
3,835 posts
 
I agree there are some gear if get lucky, you will pay
good price, a year later you can still sell them same
price, or make a little profit.As as investment? My
answer is no.But there are some, who are good at it.
I know one, He will offer very low price, to those
He thinks are desperate,later on the seller will give
in.He will use them, then after couple of months,
He put them on AG. But dont forget, this guy has plenty
of time to wait for the price. He is very good.
Even with his his friends, He is merciless.
Thats just him.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
If it's anything like other investments you stand to loose a lot of money. It's been said about investment in fine art.."don't buy it if you wouldn't enjoy hanging it on your wall forever". Same for audio equipment.
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