What's happened to the used high end market recently?? Sales are tough....:0(


The heading says it all!! What do you guys think is the reason that the sales in the used high end market have gone soft??
Prices too high? Economy too slow?? Stock market too volatile?? Something else??

Thoughts....
128x128daveyf
Terrific replies to this thread.
Some things to contemplate this Mother's Day Weekend.  ;-)
Great post trelja. I still question the reason behind the more recent trend in the market...the one that has seemingly majorly softened the market for used HEA. Trying to sell some of the gear on portals like the one that I am typing on, has---at least according to several of my a’phile friends-- resulted in almost having to give away gear! OTOH, we are constantly hearing of the new HE product that is pushing the asking price into the stratosphere. Presumably there is a market for these pieces...and a big enough market that it makes sense to continue to push the prices upwards and upwards.
Looking at the new WAMM speaker or the new D’Ag Relentless amps would seem to bolster this trend. Not sure how many of the buyers can truly afford this gear, but there must be enough for the manufacturer’s to feel safe enough to produce it.
Hate to think of the potential loss of $$ once it gets to the used market, LOL.
The equipment was always..supposed to be about servicing the music.

When you look at the whole scenario and package presented in the now, as presented to anyone looking at it, as potential to listen... you can’t blame the younger folks for going for the music first, over the equipment.

The very idea and emergence of Napster and it’s wild ride - told you all you needed to know.

First we had to build the ability to actually listen to prerecorded works. Done.

Now we are technologically evolved to the point that today’s mediocre technology, at low cost, can serve as a conveyor belt into many magnitudes more of music, as compared to all situations prior. And moreso every day.

Nevermind all the connected socio/cultural-politial-coporate/economic indicators.

The view and reality presents some very simple choices.

It really is all about the music. Not the gear.
I think expert audiophiles are getting so much amazing sound quality from TC paste, aftermarket SR fuses, and Tekton speakers that all HEA components and speakers are totally obsolete...

The Magico founder Alon Wolf based his business model on the new A3 for a projection of selling 1000 sets; at $9800 that's close to 10 million and enough to cover his substantial equipment outlay. Of course he is following a certain marketing approach: build a clientele for the very top end then offer a more reasonable product to increase sales volume.

Will be interesting to see if the enthusiasm for the new design continues although the first run appears to be sold out.

Are there 1000 audiophiles out there with ten grand to spare? If so, then HEA may have some legs after all.