God, I hate to ask this…

Sorry to read of your health, I think this is something we all have to face and you are right, leaving it to a spouse or partner puts a greater burden on them. I bought pieces from a friend’s estate after he passed, in part to help out his widow. 

Maximizing return, for the sake of your estate, would require far more effort than "one stop" deals, like working with TMR or Sky-Fi. I also have Avantgardes (Duos) and they are a bargain today used, compared to the current new market prices.

Same with records, you can either try to maximize which involves more effort (or finding someone like I did, who was willing to take unwanted LPs (about 12 thousand at the time, leaving me with around 5k LPs)), removing them from my place, listing them, selling, shipping, and sending me 50% of the net. 

Yes, any dealer is going to give you far less than market, but the one key thing is to get them to take all of it (if that is what you want).

Other alternatives, with physical media and possibly gear- donate to a music school or library if they have the facilities to actually support such a gift.

I appreciate that part of this is peace of mind and not introducing more stress into your life. 

I wish you the best, 

I also extend my concerns for your health and second the idea to find a major cancer center. In Ohio, The James does amazing work. There are also many experimental therapies you may qualify for that could really extend your life.

But to your question:

My other hobby is astronomy and people accumulate a lot of stuff in that hobby. I have taken to helping widows liquidate their husband's stuff. I agree with your plan of bequeathing items. Since your friends won't talk about it, and it sounds like they don't need anything, how about a local club/group? I know these are harder to find, but they do exist. If you reach out to a few and communicate with their leader you may find someone you would trust to move your equipment on to people who would really enjoy it. I suspect media will be the hardest thing to sell. When I helped liquidate media in the past I went to a record fair and talked to each vendor. In the end I sold the vast majority of the media and got the family about $1,200. Sure, full retail was probably $4,000, but it was gone. I find most widows just want it gone. It brings back memories and sadness. 

Take care and don't give up.

@williamjohnston  be strong and hold fast…

Our (loosely described) local vinyl club is populated by mostly retirement aged men, but in recent years (since Covid) we have added some new blood, a few in their 30’s,40’s and 50’s. Several listening sessions recently have included discussions amongst those present, regarding the eventual dispersal of certain aging members’ audio possessions, both media (CDs, vinyl, tape…) and stereos (from modest to elaborate). Few have spouses or relatives that are even remotely interested in owning, selling or finding new homes for such… it has become increasingly obvious that the younger ones in our little hobby group will benefit greatly. 
It does make you wonder…

Hello William,

So sorry. Many of these responses should give you comfort and ideas.

I do not expect to be around more than 3 years. My wife is very smart but not interested in operating "machinery". Here is what I have done:

1. Eliminated all equipment that my wife is not comfortable looking at.  2. Made a detailed outline of how to turn it on and listen to either CD or tuner. And how to turn it off.  3. Put round label next to everything she needs to touch, labelled 1-7.  4. Let her practice using my outline. Every time she wrinkled her brow, I revised it for her.    5. Prepared a detailed listing of all equipment and its purchase cost.

My wife has become comfortable using the system (almost). And now likes to listen to it. In the end, I have to accept as fact that as soon as some cable comes loose and the system no longer produces sound, she will pronounce it broken; that will be the end of it. What is more important is the time I spend with her now; what I do for her now. As for the rest, she will be financially comfortable and travel until it is her turn to say goodbye.

@williamjohnston

Our prayers are with you.   If I may ask where you’re located?   
 

Best,

Jim