What's going on with the used audio gear market?


OK, maybe I am unrealistic but I've bought and sold audio gear for the past 25 years off and on for my personal use  as I change out or upgrade.  It seems that a reasonable expectation is around 50% of MSRP or somewhere close. That has been what I've always sold for and bought for. Now I see stuff priced at 80-90% of MSRP. I am talking about things that are not really statement products and can be a few years old and they want 80%.  I just don't get it, this stuff for the most part depreciates rather quickly due to the advancement of technology. Is this a hold over from the Covid Inflation effect on supply and demand? I guess that supply and demand will eventually sort it out. 

fthompson251

I have been in A/V retail for 30 plus years and I can tell you in the absolute truth that prices in audio, excluding tv's, have risen 30 to 50% in 2 years. A Marantz receiver that sold for 799.99 in 2020 is $1499.99 now & B&W 704's, the smallest 700 series floorstanders, were $2499.99 a pair in 2020 are now $3500.00. So it stands to reason, like cars, the used market prices have increased. Supply chain or  greed only time will tell: Not sure the reasoning anymore but price increases have put the brakes on mid fi audio in my area. 

@hilde45 

Your points "d", "e" and "f" are valid points and certainly validate the intangible elements of financial transactions.  

Under your "probably a bunch of other reasons" listing, items could include:

- dissolution of marriage.  Just get the stuff out of the house.

- estate sales -- where there is a complete emotional disconnect from the equpment and 10 cents on the dollar beats 0 cents on the dollar.

Used market is very slow right now.  I am seeing some very attractive prices also.  Don’t sense it is skewed on the high side.  

hilde45:

Did I step on your, or a friend's toes?

Your Wiki "greed" blurb includes money in the definition, and your rebuttal makes ZERO sense (to me).

Yes, it's apparent from your posts (in this thread) that we do not share the same sense of logic.

 

DeKay

 

 

I’ve had 2 McIntosh pieces on Craigslist in the SF bay for a month that would’ve sold within 4-6 days max 4 months ago…

Yes there has been a distinct slowdown in the last month or two. The rush to hoard and accumulate that was peaking 4-6 months ago has abated, for now.
Its not just audio, seems to be in all sectors, collectable cars, houses e.t.c