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

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.

A local,well respected audio dealer told me a few years ago,that he had to switch his focus to home theater to survive.While he does still sell some high end 2 channel gear,home theater equipment pays the bills for him.Super guy and very knowledgeable,but most of the customers come in for receivers and projectors and things like that.Very few guys like him are left in my area.Someone that could help you with your next hi end purchase,and answer questions you may have about it!Magnolia took a lot of business away from another retailer that closed resently.That retailer told me that magnolia could sell similar stuff cheaper and offer financing.They just couldn’t compete anymore.That store was also full retail all the time!