One's trash is someone else's treasure


I would be interested to find out what “treasures” you people have come across in your journey to audio nirvana on the used market. For me, it was in 1993 (I don’t remember if the internet was already at its early stages of development – I don’t think so), and I came across an ad in our local newspaper for a Linn LP-12. The second I read the ad, I immediately called the seller who happens to be this older fellow who obviously didn’t have the slightest clue what he’s about to relinquish. I drove to his apartment and there it was, a Linn LP-12 complete with an LVX tone arm, a K9 cartridge and the smoke dustcover – all in excellent condition. The asking price? $100!!!! While I was in his apartment checking the table out, the seller received about three phone calls regarding the LP-12 too bad for those prospective buyers but first come, first serve. Talk about someone’s trash being someone else’s treasure!!!! About three years later, I sold the table for $900! It was about this time when the digital front end was really taking off with the transport and outboard DAC options. Now, I’m back into vinyl (just recently got back actually) and have a VPI Scout Aries with JMW 9 arm and a Dynavector 10x5 cartridge. This time, my analog set up is a keeper!!!! What treasures have you come across??????
gemini

Showing 6 responses by punkawalla

I'd like to offer you $5.00 for the Beetles collection (a really poor band, highly overated).

PW
I think Gemini was having a little fun when he offered the beatles set for $10
But at this stage I'm not even sure of that.

PW
"Hals_den said - Even though I'm not the biggest Beatles fan, I'd offer at least $15 for Gemini's Beatle collection"

I shake my head in amazement.

It's little wonder why we can't get along.

PW
The last thing this thread needs is to be 'put back on track' :)

pW

PS - I once sold a Krell power amp to an elderly person for less than it was worth. I cut the same kinda deals for other minorities too.
Michaela,

Please don't try to tickle my fancy with words about fair market value, i've been in the retail industry for 42 years, and my description did not require the additional commentary that you came up with.
Incidentally, whether clear to you or not, we actually agree in our support of gemini's role in the transaction, just not on the principals behind how it came to be.

many thanks

pW

"The worth of an item can only be measured in the hands of the person holding it"

That's the value of the item based on one individuals perception of its worth, NOT fair market value, which is based on a cross-section of the buying public with a specific interest in the item.
The two are very different, let’s not get confused.

Having said all that how did the gentleman arrive at the $100 value for the TT? Is it the buyer who has responsibility for researching fair market value, or the seller? (obviously the seller). Is old age a good reason not to be able to research fair market value, in this instance, no, sorry it isn't. The gentleman was 'aware' enough to be able to make the necessary arrangements to place the advertisement, and would surely have taken one step further to research the items value, had he been so inclined. Maybe the old guy stole it and thought $100 for hot merchandise was a good deal. Who knows what circumstances were in play.

As for the little Picasso story, cute, but a poor analogy for what is going on here.

pW