What's it worth if you sold it today?

Kirk; I've wondered that myself, but have not attempted to calculate it as components/wires etc. vary in age, demand, and perceived value. As a "rule of thumb" though, I'd just take 50% off retail to arrive at present selling price, and I think I'd be in the ballpark for my system, and your numbers look about that way too. Of course some parts are not recoverable such as dedicated AC system(s).

I don't totally agree about the rapid value drop in digital components, ie the Levinson M37 transport has been around 5-6 years (or more) and still is hard to find at 50% off it's original retail of $4K. In fact it's hard to find used at all. I think some "good brand name" digital gear holds it's value for quite awile if it has high perceived value. Also, as the 16/44 format is "mature" there is not as much that can be done to improve it IMO, so again perceived value of good brands can remain high. Cheers. Craig

Well compared with the stock market over the last couple of years I say it's a brilliant investent. Not to mention the functionality aspect.

KP

They key is to buy good solid pieces that are deflation-proof, so to speak. I system would have cost someone $7.5k-8.5k to buy new using real world prices. I paid about $2.5k, so far. I'd be surprised if I couldn't get almost $2k out of it, here on audiogon. I could probably get the full $2.5k invested if I "parted it out" on eBay. Without a doubt.

I'm lucky that my digital front end was purchased at the END of it's depreciation curve. I'm waiting until last to invest is anything significant in regards to digital, since it is such a poor investment compared to other components. Ideally I'm like to find a EVS Millennium II DAC with AES/EBU inputs. I'd actually "spurge" on one of those. :-) (*hint, hint*)

I've just figured out that the most expencive component I have is a SOFTWARE that some of that I need to liquidate on ebay or here or somewhere to get back some bucks for a new stuff to buy(maybe even components)

Lexicon DC1 paid: 5000 resell now: 1400:( (on a good day)
Anthem Amp2 1300 1000:)
CD Changer 300 $2.50 (on a good day)
Marantz DVD18 1100 600ish:(
Paradigm Ref 100s 1300 800ish:)
Monster Power LC 600:( give it away for a dirty
picture...or $350:/
Analisys+Oval 9 350ish:) 250-300ish??:)
Transparent ICs 150used:) 150:)
Marantz MA500 300ish 160ish:/
Paradigm CC 500 ?????
Rears 400 200ish:/

i like the question!!!!