2. misc-audio
  3. 1008768695

I don't get it

I breeze through the Agon classifieds every few days and am absolutely astounded by the number of listings of equipment that is "less than 1 year old" and in many cases less than 3 months old. The implied financial hits are staggering. I have developed a number of theories:

1) The equipment is being bought by store/distributor employees at or close to wholesale and being flipped at no loss or maybe even a profit.

2) Audiophiles have some sort of obsessive-compulsive disorder that forces them to continue to change out components irrespective of need or cost.

3) Audiophilia(?) is like being addicted to herion, every day you need a new fix because whatever the last addition did for you, it wore off and something new is needed.

4) Some audiophiles have way too much money.

Don't get me wrong - I appreciate the chance to buy equipment at a discount as I generally can't bring myself to pay retail for most of this stuff. However, I'm curious why all this nearly new equipment is here.

Thanks
wstritt
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drubin
3,267 posts
 
IMO, 1-3 are all correct, especially #2 and #3.
craigklomparens
34 posts
 
The answer is (5), all of the above. There is of course AA (Audioholics Anon) and the 12 step program.
mg123
192 posts
 
I think its a combination of all of your theories, but I think there is a lot more of #1 than any of us realize. I also think there are many new companies that price their products with the Big Boys to make us think their products must be Class A and then they sell all those "demos" at 50% to get them out there. Its amazing how expensive some of this gear is priced at, either retail or Agon prices. Sometimes I have to give it careful thought as to whether I felt my purchase was REALLY worth the $$ I paid, even though it "must be a bargain" since I only paid 45% of retail. We must be on drugs!
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
...I think you're already know. That's why you've just lited 2) and 3). I will just add that it's fun to change for something new to audition and than sell.
I would probably also start building some bedroom system. I certainly can buy a combined descent stereo like Teac or Nakamichi but it's more fun to schuffle with components.
sean
6,231 posts
 
I think that numbers 2, 3 & 4 are all quite valid. Number 1 might come into play, but it would be much further down the list.

As to your comments, i agree completely. I hope these people keep "rolling over" equipment. There is no way that i could afford all of the equipment that i have if purchased new. Besides, what they are doing is "patriotic". Their "rolling over" gear helps the economy : ) Sean
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