Outrageous used pricing on older McIntosh

I certainly understand your perspective Oregonpapa and while some of those audio products back in the 50’s and 60’s could be considered expensive they weren’t out of the reach of the middle class enthusiast what would and could purchase them. My parents paid 500.00 for a console stereo in 1960, many did. How many Kimball console pianos were sold in those times at from 500-800, of course if you had the resources one could purchase a Steinway either console or grand at considerably more and probably not affordable to most in the middle class.

Today there are STILL many affordable audio products for everyone, maybe even more so than back then. But there are ALSO many exorbitantly priced audio products that are strictly geared to the status of ownership, much like say a Rolls Royce or Ferrari or any product that is often geared to exclusivity and WOW rather than value. The premis that these products perform at a higher level than less ambitious products is debatable, at least in my experience, same as with vintage components. To ME it’s beyond "wishful thinking" that I BELIEVE that some properly restored vintage products can perform at a competitive level, that is, providing musical enjoyment AND most importantly to me with ANY audio product/system, engagement at a high level   and that their REAL value can be based solely on that fact aside from their vintage status and value as a collectable. It certainly is the case for me. I restored the amps to sell them. I’m keeping them because I enjoy listening to them on occasion, they’re that good. On the other hand I would acknowledge they would not be my first choice in all cases, what ever is in audio except for those that can make any choice of their desire :)

Not to argue w you, oregonpappa, but a slightly different perspective might do the math like this. At $400/pair, the MC amps cost about a month’s pay. I'm sure many of us have spent a month’s pay for 2 channels of amplification (used or new).

I ran a Mc240 amp and an Mx110 turner pre for decades as my pimp stereo and still to this day I jones for that sound again. Paid $200. from a friend in 75, and sold for $1800 in 95. People pay it because they are rare in good shape, they were built to last, and looked like no others. Solid chrome and black has always looked exceptionally drool inducing.  Just like the German elac miracord 50H turntables I restore. Be looking for the first of them surrounded by incredible myrtlewood pllinths and dust covers on this site.
email Waipunasounds if you are interested in owning 1 of the 5. They will be set up as mono tables with cartridge. $2500-3500. At gmail.

So far most of the posts seem to disagree with Sid42 (the OP).  He did not say anything about 50s-60s McIntosh.  He mentioned 70s-90s.  A lot of the transistor stuff (of course that's all there was...) from that time was not great.  I don't understand why a lot of that gear would sell anywhere near its original price, if that is true.  I owned a C15 and MC300 in the late 90's, retail about $5,500.  It was great gear, and I liked it a lot.  I wouldn't mind owning it again, but now that it is nearing 20 years old I wouldn't pay more than $2,200 for it. 

Jimmy2615, you got my point exactly! Your point of a C15 is right on, I've seen some going for $1100 and more on Ebay, when they were only $1500 when new in the 90's. 50-60's stuff wasn't my point, as a lot of guys consider that gear something special and seem willing to pay big bucks for them.