2. amps-preamps
  3. 177143-150037

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
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,024 posts
 

Because he just enjoys starting threads with unsupported assertions and then disappearing.

brandon2's avatar
brandon2
6 posts
 

Do diligence. The only two things I bought used and kept was a pair of Sennheiser 595 ear speakers and a Yamaha T-70 tuner. Both arrived safe and sound and still work  A Yamaha C-4 preamp stopped working through the speakers w/i two weeks, though it did work with ear phones. A guy who repairs Yamaha equipment took it off my hands. I lost a nominal amount of money.  Buying used can save you a lot of money, but it can also cause you much grief. Know what you're buying. 

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,024 posts
 

Due.

bigby
159 posts
 

I've started buying used from dealers and trading in old equipment to get better price reductions. Selling MIT cables and a BAT tube amplifier brought me to that conclusion.   The ads for the gear had reasonable prices based on market research, but buyers negotiate much lower.  I don't know what I'm going to do when I eventually sell everything.  The equipment I enjoy isn't desired by a lot of people (I.e. MIT, Spectral, EglestonWorks).

elliottbnewcombjr
5,529 posts
 

Prices are rising for Vintage, maybe there is a hole in the middle, used/not old that you are dealing with. I sell my used equipment. Money helps me buy 'new to me' old stuff, or new stuff.

I work hard getting it in best condition, get documents photos descriptions, links to OEM info and reviews. That makes a difference. Make the effort, it will go.

Took my 2 McIntosh SS pieces to McIntosh, had them factory certified, new shipping boxes, did very well, easy safe shipping.

Current Fisher 500C, Excellent condition and sounding, many fisher oem tubes. I overhauled it's controls, dead silent, had VAS align the tuner, last step: brass caps need to be polished, then Steve at VAS may buy it, he wants 1st right of refusal! No wood enclosure, will be local pick-up only. That's limiting your audience, however I'm midway between NYC and Phila and can meet someone half-way, so we shall see. Could ship, but the alignment just done would be worthless.

Sold nice Carver Amp, Carver Tuner, Onkyo CD changer ... More stuff on the shelf, I found my SME 3009 II, needs some care, then sell.

IOW, you can do alright, but it takes effort.

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