Back to the Topic....I think with more time at home, many of us will be increasing our time reading these forums and working on tweaks to our systems as a way of simply getting away from the bad news. In times of crisis, bartering increases historically so I would think used gear selling will be on the upswing? I know I spent some hours today looking for a used amp to replace mine when I send it off for service/upgrades. I also spent time today reviewing the "what are you playing" postings for fresh ideas to explore new material. My father is turning 95, fought WWII in France. When we talked today he mentioned that he has never seen anything like this in his lifetime and hopes that people will join together and we will see a return to polite behavior that has been lost in recent times. People react in two ways to extreme pressure, and instead of blaming I will join on the side of solutions. In the long run, sites like Audiogon should thrive with increased interest in music at home, instead of live venues. Thankfully this place has for the most part been free of political discussion.
How will the COVID-19 pandemic affect sites like Audiogon?
One would think that with social distancing and shelter in place policies, there has never been a better time for upgrading and enjoying your audio system. But is now the time to buy and sell? The mass unemployment and economic distress accompanying the pandemic seems certain to undermine what is essentially a luxury market encompassing both gearheads and music lovers? What effects on buying and selling audio gear — both short and long term — can we foresee?