Just like a car when you drive it off the lot. I think alot of the other gear is over priced, used that is. I've tried the AR, classe and afew others, don't understand how they kept their value, but they do. Not my taste but apparently many others enjoy it. My thing, if I can't get a good deal on used then I rather buy it new. Bat does make great gear and I'm happy with the used prices for the equip, if the used price was more I'd probably look else where. Take for instance a new vk30 with remote 3,500 retail, from the local dealer which I have a great repor with he would sell it to me new for about 3,000; possibly less. When I decide to go shopping for a used one I would not dream of paying more than 1,900 off the net and I'm not sure if I'd spend that. My dealer sold me a new vk200 (retail 2,500) for 1,800. He told me to take it home and if I liked it to give him 1,800 for it. And he the 1,800 for 2mos. Great dealer with a payment plan. He offer me the vk500 w/bat pack used for 2,500, just wanted to move the used for the new stuff coming in. Going back to Oct 2000 here on audiogon dkruip offered me a used vk30 w/remote in mint condition for 1,800, I should have bought it. Dkruip was extremely helpful to me in choosing my components. I guess the moral of the story is there is plent of used gear out there at an affortable/fair price so why pay those high prices. good luck pete