Why is used audio equipment so undesirable?


I’ve upgraded many things over the past couple years and quite frankly there is limited interest and not much to be gained by getting rid of unused equipment. My dealer doesn’t want it. And it’s all fairly new stuff within a few years. It’s easier just to box it and store it away and give it to someone if a situation ever arises. Selling it is ridiculous as I’m lucky to get 30 or 40% Plus all the hassle negotiating when selling, so I keep it.

It’s risky buying used audio equipment so there is no interest even for very nice units. So I’ve got nearly half dozen pieces taking up a lot of space all sitting in their original boxes and maybe next time I buy some new speakers I’ll prepare a list and get a few thousand dollars after paying nearly 4 to 5 time more when new.

Would I buy a used preamp or speakers for $15-$20,000? that might be very risky. So I guess I understand why used audio is not that desirable. After buying something used, you may wonder if it would have sounded different if I bought it new? And there in lies the quandry

 

Much easier buying a used car.

 

emergingsoul

I used to buy good used equipment that was sometimes a few hundred $$$ off the retail price to 1/2 the retail price. Most of these pieces have been sold for sometimes more than what I paid for them to a few hundred $$$ less. Anything new (audio piece, car) will depreciate the minute you bring it home.

As for vintage equipment, been there decades ago but will never go back except for a couple of model separates. I used to own top of the line equipment 45 years ago, have repurchased some of these pieces for secondary/third systems and they just don’t cut it compared to todays technology, except for a couple of pieces which go for many thousands today, then you have to worry about failure rates/parts which are very rare. IMO of course

Just sell it on commission at TMR Audio.They'll even pay shipping to them. Unless it's low end stuff from a big box store. In that case donate it or give it away.

When possible, used is the way to go. It’s a no-brainer. I’ve always gotten a massive discount for gear that looks and performs like it’s brand new from the factory.

First of all, new equipment is generally marked up about 90% so if you get 40% of what you paid for it, that's about all you can expect. 

 

Second of all as others have said, used equipment is the best value for your dollar. I have a Kenwood receiver made in the late 70's that is still working fine with only a few bulbs replaced and I expect it to last longer than I will. 

I would be happy to help you reduce your inventory

If by any chance you have a decent CD player

Regards, Joe