Are Sales Down

The Editorial in the current issue of Stereophile discusses a slow down for the entire industry 

Seems like the consensus is things have slowed down. I did manage to sell some of my gear, but it wasn't on here. Some of it was because I gave a couple younger guys breaks and sold it to them dirt cheap. Still have the big amp, I may just box it and and bury it in a closet until Fall and we'll see if things are picking up at all...

I have seen audio manufacturing prices go double digit on some gear that is new over the last three years. The nearest Ford, Dodge, GM  dealers think 80k pickups are normal after their market adjustment of another 10k fee. Madness!! You can raise the price as much as you think the market can bear. But, I as a consumer can not purchase it.So, Yea, I am now strictly used, maybe demo. But I am  just a middle class working man. But when the price  goes twice, then in a few years three times on the original, I just wont buy because of price,value consideration. Is the 3 percent better sound worth a lot more investment than it was three years ago? Probably not for me. But other might feel different. The economy is going to get worse till the election year shakeout.Some consumers on here dont care about this because they just have the ability to pass it on to someone else. But I punch a clock so, the inflation really hurts. So, hopefully, the inflation will ease.

If my recent experience is any indication, I'd say sales are indeed down.  I've had an ARC tube pre listed for 5 months now.  Really, all I've had is low-ballers.  ARC gear usually goes pretty quickly and for decent prices as far as I've seen over the years.  But, the recent shake-up at ARC might have something to do with this.  It would be great to pass it on to someone who will enjoy it more than I.  But, I'm not looking to get killed on the sale either.  We'll see.

Hi-end audio has ***ALWAYS*** been a lousy market.  It has never sold well.  It's never going to get any better either as the lower priced gear continues to improve and the higher priced stuff today is really all about demonstrating to people that yours is bigger than theirs.

Certain products will hold their value and the savvy buyer will know what they are.  Used gear is already depreciated, so it is much more likely to hold value.

Today's $6000 wonder DAC is tomorrow's $3000 white elephant.