Resale value

As I have said in a few posts, I think it is a mistake not to consider resale when purchasing equipment. It’s analogous to the stock market in that the bigger, more recognizable names make the product more liquid when it comes time to upgrade. Well-known brands sell quickly, while obscure names wait for just the right buyer. In this hobby, upgrading is inevitable so make it easy on yourself by considering the future marketability of your purchase. Further, consider the reputation of companies like McIntosh, Audio Research or even Sony. Products from those companies (and many others) are sure to ring someone's bell when it comes time to sell.

cleeds,

I’m sorry that you didn’t agree with my analogy between the stock market and used audio equipment, but not agreeing with it doesn’t make it wrong. The stock exchanges don’t "ensure" liquidity, they simply facilitate it (very much like Audiogon). Whether audio equipment is an investment or an expense depends on your perspective. Thanks for letting me know yours.

cleeds,

Maybe you just bought the wrong equipment, or paid too much for the equipment you bought. You probably should have considered the resale potential before purchasing.

If you don't see the similarity between the buying and selling of securities (stock exchange), and the buying and selling of audio equipment (Audiogon), then we have nothing more to talk about. Also, I checked my 401K and you’re right, there is no audio equipment in it. Audio equipment (for me) is still an investment, maybe not in the "traditional sense," but an investment nonetheless.

cleeds,

If you backpedal some, you’ll find that I never claimed that Audiogon ensures liquidity, only facilitates it. You may need to look up the definition of liquidity. This is my last post on this thread. The points I've made have been pretty clear. I have no interest in letting this back-and-forth go on forever. I actually DO have a life!

cleeds,

Look, this is a "forum." In a forum, you’re free to express your opinion. No one asks for your opinion of their opinion, although you are free to share it. If you don’t like what you’ve read...just get over it!

Initially, I said that buying equipment was analogous to the stock market. "Analogous" simply means that something is like, or similar to, something else-not precisely the same. My comment was first taken out of context, and then blown out of proportion. The analogy wasn't that difficult to understand!

Sure, whatever! 

Thanks, vegasears, you've just made my point!