Trends in value of vintage / used audio equipment?


Hello, folks. I wonder if there is any objective data to show trends in the value of vintage and used audio equipment (high-end or otherwise)? Does Audiogon crunch their Blue Book numbers to extrapolate any mobility in prices, up or down? Do people see prices stable or rising/falling for equipment? Thanks!

Ag insider logo xs@2xbraitman

The problem with many sellers of high-end audio is that they don't actually have to sell. They can afford to keep ridiculously overpriced gear ads up for months on end, polluting resale sites for other users. 

This contributes to a paradoxical market where dealers are often more reasonable and accommodating than private sellers.

As for McIntosh, it's the rare high-end brand that neither blows smoke up their customers' butts nor assume they are absolute cretins. For that at least, they deserve respect. Plus, their amps are pretty darn good.

The SF Bay Area is a great place to shop on CL.  There is so much money in the area that prices for used gear are crazy good imo.  When I see something interesting I'll HIFI Shark it just to get a base line.  An example:  I just picked up a pristine pair of Von Schweikert VR4s  Gen 2 for 1000.  Sam the seller allowed me to pay him "when I can" after a down of 100 via PP.  Brought them to my house as he was going to be in the area and even took them up 19 steps as I'm recovering from quad surgery.  After flipping a pair of JBL L96s I got in the FREE pile at a yard sale for 500 on ebay I'm in 500 of my own money on a pair of speakers any audio phile would at least respect.  

I always read in threads "oh it's old will die"  etc.  Lexicon MC-8, 2005 or so.  Proceed HPA 2 2000 or so.  DCM Time Frame 2000s sn 446/447 1988.  All strong and always make me smile.  2000 but got lucky on the 2000s for sure!  Magic Thors hammer made of butterflies.  

Great music does not have to cost a lot.  There is plenty of used gear that can take people used to normal music to that special level that literally gives you chills.  Now that I stream it stuns me to hear songs I have heard for decades completely new!  Even seemingly simple pop like The Cars or such becomes layered and nuanced.  Friends that come over and listen are shocked at what they miss in their system or earbuds, sigh.

Again, does your sound make you smile?  That's what counts!