2. misc-audio
  3. 195619-147348

God, I hate to ask this…

Recent conversations with the oncologist have been replete with phrases like ‘stage 4’,metastasis’ and unappealing statistics applied to survival rates. While my real and financial affairs are well settled I am most perplexed with how to approach this large pile of audio stuff e.g. 3 secondary systems in addition to the primary one, several thousand lp’s, a similar number of CD’s/SACD’s, a closet full of cable etc. I am utterly confident that I am not alone in this. While I am comfortable that my wife will love and care for my dog I am less confident that the Avantgardes will elicit such emotional investment. Although my immediate inclination is to cling desperately to these treasured objects it seems patently unfeeling to expect someone else to deal with all of this. My wife will have enough to do. I could just divest myself of much of it and depend on the collection of headphones that I began to amass during the first illness. I really don’t want to do this. I would also like to pre-bequeath much of it to friends assuming that they wanted it but all of them have been adamant in their refusal to discuss this with me and probably will remain so until the 11th hour. As childlike as it seems, I am emotionally invested in these fruits of a lifelong passion and want them to end up where they will be respected and loved . This seems to be a juncture that we will all come to. I would be grateful to hear the contemplations that all you have had in this, admittedly, sobering matter. 
To all of you, good cheer and good health.

 

williamjohnston
foggyus91's avatar
foggyus91
263 posts
 

TMR is an option or reach out to some of the higher end shops in Chicago area if they can help. A few sell here at AG. 

God Bless and I hope the doctors are wrong. 

llg98ljk's avatar
llg98ljk
222 posts
 

Sorry to hear this. I to am long past the days when I was 6ft tall and bullet proof, If I make it 3 more years, I will become the longest lived member of the male line in my family. All that aside. I have had the same thoughts as you. I have a modest audio system and some Martin guitars that are probably worth more than my electronics.

Unfortunately, my wife cares little about either of my passions. I have no offspring to pass anything down to. If I had any other relatives that deserved or showed any interest, I would consider leaving something to them. So, when I assume room temp, I suppose she will sell everything and enjoy the proceeds (not the she will need it). I'm leaning toward the attitude of what will be will be, Once I'm gone, it really won't matter.

 

kerrybh
400 posts
 

I’m sorry to hear about your health issues, and pray for your recovery. I live alone and my two adult daughters Neither know anything about Audio gear or care to learn. i’ve instructed them to contact my dealer who I trust to give them good advice for it’s disposal when the time comes. I think TMR is another good option. While their commission is not cheap, they help with everything and will turn your equipment into cash with absolutely no possibility of having to deal with unhappy or unscrupulous buyers.  They are good at what they do and I think they would try to make this as easy as possible for your family if that becomes necessary.

it is so good of you to think of taking care of this now now, but if your system brings you joy, I suspect your family would want you to hang onto it and with clear instructions, they can deal with it without undue stress. Just a thought.

God bless you

 

hbarrel's avatar
hbarrel
530 posts
 

As so many others on this forum I am not a spring chicken and also face the consequences of age. 
My thoughts and prayers to your future. 
That said… if your affairs are in order and the wife is not in need of the full value of your toys consider simply giving away stuff. Not necessarily with zero renumeration but priced to be gone.
Maybe give some of it away to a sorority or fraternity house. Let it get used. 
Hold an auction with the proceeds to go to the folks of your choice. 
I walk around my house looking at the tools, nuts, bolts, and bull crap I have accumulated and start chuckling.
I am currently in the process of dispersing my collection of superfluous bull feces. Easier said than done.

ibmjunkman's avatar
ibmjunkman
264 posts
 

I have thinking about this stuff, too. My hobby is going to a computer museum. My guns are going to a younger new friend. My late 70s/80s era audio system is going to an audio store that repairs and sells said stuff.

After everything else is sold the cash will be spread across a few animal aid organizations.

More to discover