Audio discounts during Coronavirus

Google comes in handy when one is wondering about things

Interesting. So just to clarify, you're looking for good deals not to score anything you really want that now is on sale, and not even to find a good deal for seasonal or inventory reasons, but specifically as a result of the CCP virus. Because I know of some really good deals, but would have to call and ask if its due to the CCP virus. Would you like me to find out and get back to you? Would you not buy if its on sale for any other reason? Or are you really seriously looking to buy something simply because it is on sale? Can you elaborate?

I think the OP was wondering if sales are slow because of the world wide virus, so is asking if anyone noticed any exceptional sales as a result that would make it tempting to upgrade or add to his system now.

It’s a fair question. No need to get all philosophical about it. What I’ve seen is that local brick and mortar dealers, especially those that are shut down due to stay at home orders, are willing to discount perhaps more than normal if contacted (most available by email, even if closed).

I have picked up some pieces that I’d been eying for awhile in last month. Prefer not to mention the dealers but I’d look more to local, hifi dealers (who can certainly use the support, especially if shut down temporarily) and see if you can help support them in this trying time. Often, the manufacturers will drop ship directly to your house, or alternatively curbside pickup at the store. Safe, from a virus and distancing perspective.

To be honest, it’s helped me deal with the uncertainty of the times, and I know it has helped the dealers too. Life goes on, gotta adjust to the circumstances.... You might just find that for any number of reasons (available discount, desire to support local hifi dealers, comfort/satisfaction/return-to-somewhat-normalcy in upgrading your system with additional time to listen, etc.) that this is the perfect time to pull the trigger on something you’d been considering ...

@kren Agree. Fair question. I've seen sales online and w/local dealers as a result of a need to compete in a new environment and to keep cash flowing. Some specifically mention the "changed environment" but whether it's precisely due to COVID is of course a red herring side issue.
You may find some info at this thread which I posted a couple weeks ago: 
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/sales-or-clearances-happening-now?

Wow. Just an innocent question about how the virus is affecting high end sales just like car sales or retail in general. 

I appreciate those who understood the question. As for using google, really. I thought this forum was a little more civil and for those that are thank you. 

Also thought if there were such opportunities I might be willing to help a dealer or two out seeing that many in this forum might also have the insight track. 

@hilde45 Thank you.
@kren006 Thank you

@hilde45 thanks for the post. I was actually looking for an Anthem STR Integrated and thanks to your post I probably will buy one now. Thanks again. 

Call ANY vendor, tell them what YOU want to spend, and negotiate.

The state of affairs obviously are in YOUR favor right now. Appears it will be that way too, for awhile?

Everyone understood the question.  Some simply choose to respond in a manner that fits their personality best.  

I've noticed (unrelated to virus) that every Shunyata dealer seems to be unwinding their power cord inventory these days to make way for the Reference Series V2.  I'm not looking for a power cord but the Alpha EF's etc are being priced to sell pretty widely.

@revrob I'd be curious what you wind up with. Good luck and I hope you find enjoyment!

@revrob
It’s a fair question. But you must carefully craft a question in order to post it in these forums. Otherwise, you’ll be picked at and sniped. It’s an online thing, as I never run into this poor behavior in person.

Good news is there are very knowledgeable people on here (Ha, not me) that are willing to share information and help you. 

Your thought is very relevant. I’m guessing there will be sales on many products in the near future, as some individuals and businesses strive to turn inventory into cash flow.

I hope you score some great deals!

Best-

Sorry but no, its not a fair question. Its a dopey time-waster of a question. And you all know it.

I was actually looking for an Anthem STR Integrated

Well then why didn't you say so? You talk about being civil. So why then did you waste our time while keeping your reason secret? Are you even telling the truth now? Sorry. Don't care. Too late.

If this is such a "time waster" then why bother wasting your precious time replying to people who are so clearly below you? 

I truly dont understand the hatred. If something isn't of interest to you then move on.. this clearly wasn't intended for you. 

I have read this site for a year or so and I don’t usually comment, setting myself up here, but Millercarbon You have issues

Millercarbon, please stop being mean to people on here. Belittling others is not okay, my man.
I’m pretty sure I understand why you do it, but that doesn’t make it okay.

This is a hobby site, we’re not building jet airplane engines. Nobody should be subjected to abuse for asking a question.

+1 bflood
If a forum topic doesn't interest me, I don't read or comment on it. Saves me time. 

I'll post as a retailer (not audio) and someone who is looking to upgrade. While I'm doing curbside pickup as a retailer, none of my customers have asked me for "deals". As a consumer I have reached out to a few audio dealers to spend around $700 and in all cases was offered enticing discounts.

Haven't seen these elusive 'sales' on much anything myself.

Miller Carbon you fahking crack me up man.You never dissapoint!

Ya know, a friend of mine brought up a wonderful idea regarding this question. If you’re buying a piece of gear, especially from a single independent seller, that is selling a beloved piece of gear just to get by and survive during these difficult times, to give them the option of buying back the piece in the next year for the same price you bought it for. That way your “new” piece of gear is basted in bad juju. By then, you will likely be looking to upgrade anyway, and the original seller is probably unlikely to ask for it back. At least that way, your conscience and moral compass will still be alright and still intact.

Just a thought. Take it how you will.

" As for using google, really. "
Guess this was really helpful

"I have picked up some pieces that I’d been eying for awhile in last month. Prefer not to mention the dealers "

Bunch of drama queens. Yes, there's lots of bargains. Just bought a chord qutest at a nice price. It's a buyers market and if you have the scratch, itch it. 

Call ANY vendor, tell them what YOU want to spend, and negotiate.

The state of affairs obviously are in YOUR favor right now. Appears it will be that way too, for awhile?

Been there and tried that. Most I was offered was a measly 5% discount. Local dealer with the local economy. I’ll hunt for it online instead.

What is the average mark up on streamer/servers anyway?

Also, I have taken a completely different approach during this crisis.  I deliberately sought out a small business owner and purchased something from him I probably wouldn't have normally bought - I think it's really important to support small business in this time of crisis.

* I obviously meant to say that your new piece of gear IS NOT basted in bad juju, but I’m sure those of you who read my comment probably figured that one out.


I do think now is the time to support smaller HiFi companies, especially those you want to keep in existence and continue to buy from in the future.

If I had to guess, the biggest discounts would be on in-stock inventory and Demo units. Generally, the bigger the markup, the bigger discount. Unfortunately, there will probably be dealers closing if this thing lasts too long. Lets hope things start to open up soon

@facten,
You quoted me, and I detect the sarcasm; that's fine.  Sometimes when a dealer gives you a really great deal, you are doing them a favor by not thereafter blabbing about it, if you know what I mean...  That's why I said what I said, which was as much as I was comfortable saying.

Just scored a great deal on a Gold Note amp. Now just have to wait for delivery. 

My beloved Oppo BD 105 is staring to act up
and time to buy a replacement,  but have no idea
what to get that has all the features the BD 105 has. I'm thinking it's a great time to buy as it will hopefully help the vendor through these difficult times. I'm occasionally buying meals from our local club house, not because I don't like cooking, but rather help them stay in business 

I tend to agree with 3 easy payments about buying from dealers to help them out. In my part of the country, I try to practice buying local.

It seems to me it's fair if a local dealer has a sale and discounts for the purpose of staying open but than haggle with them is akin to a vulture!

jrwaudio,

I have ab OPPO player and I can't see why anyone would bother playing CD's anymore when you can just sit on your sofa and streams huge volumes of music as hi res quality.  My CD's sit in the drawer.  You would have to spend a fortune to buy the volumes of music available in Tidal's library.  Sound quality is superior to the OPPO player.  I do like it though for watching DVD movies.

Chinese companies are starting to ship again and there's deals to be had with Topping products.  I've noticed eBay sellers are gouging rather than discounting the good stuff, so it's probably best to stay away until the virus lets up.  My local shop is offering discounts on their used/vintage equipment, with curbside or shipping service available.  Just Audio in Baltimore, MD.

@technick 

+1 great thought and suggestion.  I did the same thing with my last speaker purchase before covid.  I got such a good deal that I let the seller know he could buy them back if and when he wanted to.  It was a distressed sale.

I know this is really sad to say, however, just because some people can afford expensive audio gear, it does not mean they are set financially and can weather any storm. Even rich people live 30% above their means. One may see latest model equipment pop up on the used market. You may get a decent price and help somebody out of a rough situation at the same time. One sector that will take a massive hit will be the Automobile industry. There is talk of offering 7-8 year no or low interest loans. I think if we can get people back (or start getting) to work in the next 30 days, the hit may not be so bad. After summer, it will be a crazy second half of year. 

Many people do not see why the President and various leaders say "we are hoping to ramp back up by easter...by May, etc". If the President came out and said "well...I'm not certain we would be over this anytime soon let alone this year" many of the people who are lucky enough to have jobs working from home would start getting layoff notices. Markets would tank even quicker and companies, who are trying to hang on just a bit longer, would just go ahead and wipe many employees off the books (already happening anyway). 

Not to rant, I just read some mis informed people on Facebook barking about leaders pushing things too early. No matter what day, time or year things start to ramp up. You will see an uptick in cases. People will point fingers. Its a really tough decision. Too early....people sick....too late...people sick AND more unemployment, financial despair. . You won't see me playing Monday Morning QB on this one. 

@abery Good points. I saved a long time before I started to finally put together my system and while in some ways it seems an extravagance, and this will sound maudlin, I feel powerless and want to try to enjoy something I deeply appreciate before I'm unable to. Audio is a hobby, sure, but it conveys some of the most meaningful things humans have created; to experience that in a way that is immersive is something we all have in common.

Saving the money is the way to buy audio equipment. I know for many, the 3 months same as cash, etc is tempting, however, those financing options are offered because the Majority of people will not pay the thing off during the promotional period. 

How about a free mask with every purchase? 😷

LOL. Some items I have purchased has shipped with White gloves. Maybe latex gloves and a mask instead. 

@technick  what a wonderful post   kudos to you

@rsf507 I am possibly looking to purchase a Gold Note PH-10. Care to share where you got a deal?

@dcalarco PM sent 

Being happy with all the components in my system for the last couple years I had not been buying much other than a new Nord Acoustics Streamer/DAC combo recently.
I ordinary use Voodoo Cable or Shunyata Research products for cables and cords but couldn't resist the urge to try out WyWires products. They are giving me a good price on some old cables I had around here, are 40% off theirs, and have a 30 day return period right now. I ordered a few new power cords and they are building me a custom power cord for my Nord. Everything should be here next week. Hoping for the best. 

@Larry5729 you are right and I too love streaming and all the new artists that I'm decovering, and I have found alot!!
But I also like listening to my CD collection as I have some obscure artists that I haven't found online yet.
I have two systems, one two channel, and a 5.1 setup. What the Oppo BD 105 allows me to do is run balanced out to my Tube preamp/amp
that drive my Maggie's in my two channel rig.
I bypass the Oppo internal DAC via BNC to my external Exogal Comet plus DAC  Because the Oppo has DSP surround, I can run RCA and integrate my SVS ultra 13 sub with my Maggie's....love it
So with my Emotiva XMC-1 I can easily switch between my Oppo BD 105, Xbox one X ( plays 4k blu ray) and I like to go racing (Fonza 6) when bored and depressed by the news, and to watch that I and use Amazon firestick. No more exspensive cable TV, just YouTube TV What I save should pay for the OPPO replacement hopefully. So I would gladly pay full price to a local vendor if he can find me a suitable replacement for my beloved OPPO

Some of the dealers I know have been having some good 'demo' sales. You can get a really good discount with those if you don't mind slightly used.

Revenue is a big challenge for everyone right now.

I have used Audiogon, eBay and my viewed my local dealers for specials on websites and have been able to pick-up a demo preamp (McIntosh C2600) and amp (McIntosh MC302) that have full company warranty and are being replaced.  

I believe the prices I've paid are a win-win and both were purchased form a local dealer.

Sincerely
Kevin