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
grossman616
123 posts
 

I mostly buy used, never had a problem. Don't be afraid. Plenty of great bargains especially from those types chasing the "latest and greatest"

I bought an Opera tube SACD player MINT with box and manual etc from a very well off individual. The unit was like new with low hours ( and looks cool and sounds great) for $450 w/shipping.!! $2,200 new. 

As Mr Steve McCormack told me," Newer doesn't mean better" He recently upgraded my vintage McCormack DNA1 -R/1 into a "new" SMc Audio GT22 Plus. So I have a brand new -25yr old amp that probably sounds as good as a Constellation Centaur II Stereo amp for 1/3rd of the price.

Buy used from rich people and you won't have any problems.

lostinseattle
50 posts
 

Seems to me that there exists a thriving used market.

I have ever only purchased three audio components new:  a DAC, one pair of speakers that were not available used, and a home theater pre/pro.  Everything else is used.  

With regards to reliability, it differs by type:  digital stuff, electrical analog, and mechanical.  Assuming that is has been well treated, pretty much anything less than 30 years old is not likely to fail, I think.  Good quality digital equipment - things like processors and DACs, are probably going to become outdated long before they fail.  Older electrical equipment, which I have owned a lot of, needs a good recap.  All things electrical go out of spec eventually.  Even then, it's more likely to be amps than preamps or tuners because of heat.  Mechanical items, e.g., speakers, transports (cassette, CD, DVD, phono) are more likely to fail sooner, but still get years of service.

If you're concerned about buying used equipment that is less than 5 years old, it's probably not high quality.  Nothing well made and well taken of should fail that soon.

secretguy
1,718 posts
 

You can't force people to learn.

peac3687's avatar
peac3687
1 posts
 

I have purchased many nice pieces of equipment on the used market. Most audiophiles take great care of there units. I have been able to have Hifi Equipment i would have never been able to buy new. Purchasing through Audiogon or Usaudiomart I have found great products and good people to work with. I would never buy on craiglist or facebook or some platform like that. Just my thoughts . 

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