2. misc-audio
  3. 1322081469

Anyone else noticing inflation in used gear $?

While quite non-scientific, judging by recent prices and the speed at which quality gear is moving on audiogon there seems to be both some price inflation and a pickup in the velocity of money? The economy is pretty horrendous, however I'd wager that audiophiles tend to be the more affluent among the general population - if not always rational... I generally subscibe to the theory that we are entering a period of stagflation, with inflation in the things we "need" and deflation in the things we "want" - however what I'm seeing here leads me to believe that either I'm incorrect or we all really do need Krell amps.
matti
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
I agree, prices of used gear seem to be moving up. In addition to general inflation, new gear pricing of the top USA brands is moving up which increases the demand for the used stuff. This is particularly true of stuff from Europe. ProAc recently had a significant increase, and this coupled with unfavorable exchange rates puts landing goods from Europe in the USA more expensive. Gear manufactured/sourced in the Asia market seems to be holding prices steady, and continues to improve in quality. What's that expression, 'go west young man'.
tmsorosk
1,013 posts
 
When the economy takes a big dive people seem to be afraid and tighten up there spending , but although the economy doesn't really improve , most folks get used to the situation a loosen up a bit with there spending .
altbrewer
24 posts
 
Only for the things I would like to buy. It's going the other way for things I would like to sell.
schipo
1,268 posts
 
A fixed price on old gear from a sellers point is just madness. Most gear sold that's 10yrs old or more is in need of a possible cap change or upgrading. This alone can nickle and dime a buyer into the poor house. I should think that more sellers could try to be more flexible and take this into consideration when posting older gear.
jond's avatar
jond
5,807 posts
 
I agree completely, I was essentially not perusing the site at all for a few years and recently came back on a regular basis and was shocked at some of the prices. I have also noticed some very quick sales, it seems like every time I see something on New Today that I know is a good deal, it's already been sold. Luckily I'm not really in the market to buy anything, but it seems like quite a sea change from just a couple of years ago. No wonder more people seem to be going the modding and upgrade route, it can provide the best value.
More to discover