"High end" store snobbery

You can't confuse a hobby with a sales experience. Clubs and audio societies are all about learning. A retailer especially in audio these days can't be all things to all people. If you had walked in and said I want a new X (amp, speakers, system, etc ) and I have X $ to spend they might have been able to help you (and more willing to spend some time). Trade-ins have NEVER been a big part of an audio shop's business, although some might allow (grudgingly) an upgrade in something they sell a lot of.  An even lightly used big brand AV box loses value about 10  faster than a new car. A good stereo is complicated. A good AV system even more so and many audio guys don't even bother. It's a specialty.

There's a shop up here in Mass where on Saturday aftrenoons you can bring your LPs to play through their various vintage & high end setups & hang around a bit to talk about the gear: they'll even offer you an espresso or craft beer. That's my kinda spot, lol. Not sure about their trade-in policies but I know they have one. The guys that own the place are about as knowledgeable as anyone I've ever met. It's in a cool brick & beam loft space and is stuffed with incredible gear that they restore & ship all over the world. Guess this is where the industry is headed, or should be anyway. 

I traded in 2 AVRs 20 years old not used in years towards 2 new Monoblock power amps at PSAudio.  They give you up to 30% of the new purchase as trade.  They base the trade in value on the original retail value.  So in my case I got $1800 for the AVRs.

It does not have to be for the same type of equipment.  You could trade in an AVR towards a new DAC or speakers.

I use to live in Chicago but now retired in Tennessee and the closest dealer is 3 hours away.

PS Audio only sells manufacturer direct in USA...incredible trade in policy...they often work in conjunction with TMR I believe...the trade in can cover up to about 30% of price of new PS Audio gear you are buying...

find a child from a poor family and give him your receiver ... Do not look for gratitude - do not flatter your pride .... and then - audio luck will smile at you)))