What should my heirs do to dispose of my vinyl and CDs?

My heirs would probably throw them in the trash, or sell them for maybe 50 cents a piece in bulk.  It would be too much work for them to do some research and find out what they are worth.

Ear buds are all they know.

I also have a decent collection of fishing gear.  None of my relatives know which end the hooks go on.

They will be much more interested in the gun safe and ammo pile.

Doesn't matter.  My will says it all gets sold at auction and proceeds go to two specific charities.

hifiman5

We are kindred spirits! I had a McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe that I ran for almost 20 years until it died. I had considered upgrading it just prior, and ended up selling the chassis to SMc Audio and now regret it. Not long after, they came out with their Gravity Base upgrade (which gets rave reviews), and I wish I had kept the dead DNA to use for that. I can’t find an old one at a decent price.

I have the latest Vandersteen 2CE Sig III speakers, but have been considering moving up to the Treo CT, which is a special speaker (as you know) and great match with the DNA-1. I used to live in San Diego and got to know Steve McCormack a bit, and it was he who steered me to Vandersteens. He still uses the 3A Signature as one of his reference speakers, iirc.

You have a lovely system—it would be great if a loved one got it and appreciated it, but I hope you have the health and hearing to enjoy it for MANY more years!

I am actively seeking to find good bargain used CDs, which I rip to my server. I like owning the source material...great when the internet goes down or the grid gets knocked out from an EMP attack! I will power the system with a generator.

My audio guy has instructions to sell my system and my vinyl collection upon my death. I already have given away most of my CDs… they are nearly worthless, or will be soon. My 2,000 pristine albums… with hundreds of audiophile versions my dealer wants to sell as a set.

Too all of the old men of this site, take comfort is the words of the great Bob Dylan, "I ain't dead yet, my bell still rings" 🤣

Identify a college that has a major in voice or instruments.  They may also have an orchestra and other performance groups.  Speak to an administrator and share your ideas.  Something good will come of this!

I understand your situation in that mine mimics yours.

They want to lay claim to my faster cars and prettier firearms, but no interest in anything in my listening room.

That said, a couple of weeks ago, my sixteen year old daughter asked me if she could listen to the album Rumours. I almost fainted. She is a big K-pop fan. So, maybe there is hope.

I don’t think that there’s any way around the fact that this hobby mostly consist of old men. My father died a few years ago and in the last few years of his life he bought over $100,000 of woodworking equipment. None of us had any interest in woodworking. We ended up having someone come in and buy the whole thing for pennies on the dollar. I suspect that’s what will happen unless you sell it off yourself.

OP, you might consider cataloging your collection in Discogs.com It's very satisfying and you can export the data in a spreadsheet. 

@bigtwin Your solution would be my favorite way to go I just don't know if any family member would want my system and software.  My solitary passion.

@rhg3 Two great sources for selling off vinyl and CDs!  Thank you

Without knowing where you live or the genre, quantity, age or condition of your collection:

 https://djrecordsusa.com/sell-record-collection/

https://www.cashforrecords.com/sell-your-records

@hifiman5 

This is not the first thread I have read lately on what the family should do with a great stereo rig and music collection when the owner is gone.  Two thoughts come to mind.

1.  Find someone in your family you can get interested in your system.  For most, it is a lack of understanding.  As music is a lifelong journey, is their no one that can be started on the path?

2. Sell it off yourself and get a modest system for your final years.  Then give the money to your heirs while you can still watch them enjoy it.  That could bring more joy then the system?

IMHO

I'll take them, bro!