resale values

[Rob]

this is almost too hard to watch, I think the seller slashed his price a few times: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tu...-analog-680602

What is the true used value of current high-end gear and is this a reflection of poor perceived value? there was a time, believe or not when dealers would buy gear off flippers just so it wouldn't impact the sale of new gear. I've been on audiogon almost since the beginning, back then 40% off for a current piece was fair, then 50% became the norm. this TechDas is closer to 65% off...wow.

[Joe Pittman]

The sign of the apocalypse (AudiogeddoN).

[Rob]

Joe, you have to admit this isn't good for TechDas dealers, esp if you're trying to close a sale on a new one.

[Joe Pittman]

Agree Rob. Not only bad for TechDas dealers especially here in the US but audio in general. Fortunately I'm not a TechDas dealer, but I got really close to pulling the trigger. I'll be getting a VPI Vanquish instead...

It may not be good for the dealer that a buyer of his ne plus ultra audio thing sold it in the first place.

[Bruce B]

I've gotten several pieces for pennies on the dollar. ROI is very poor in audio, for sure. I thought speakers took the biggest hit, but this?? DAMN!!

[jonathanb]

The Singapore location of the seller certainly isn't helping the sale any.

[user510]

Yes. Singapore. Now a city state and modern manufacturing center. Once, centuries ago, a hive of sea-going piracy. That said, this is likely more to do with supply and demand. -Steve

[rockitman]

Yup....a lot of money to wire overseas. Smokin' deal though.

[Dre_J]

this is almost too hard to watch, I think the seller slashed his price a few times: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tu...-analog-680602

What is the true used value of current high-end gear and is this a reflection of poor perceived value? there was a time, believe or not when dealers would buy gear off flippers just so it wouldn't impact the sale of new gear. I've been on audiogon almost since the beginning, back then 40% off for a current piece was fair, then 50% became the norm. this TechDas is closer to 65% off...wow.

Is the MSRP the same (or equivalent to US) in Singapore?

[Rob]

like the retail price difference between Lyra carts in Japan vs here?

[Dre_J]

Ah, So you know where I was going with that question.

[Beaur]

If you want ROI buy real estate. Most of our toys and possessions lose value unless they become classics.

[1morerecord2clean]

I almost bought a Walker in mint condition 5 years ago. The owner had moved to Europe and the table was still in the crate. It was behind one generation so had I made the move I would have sent it directly to Lloyd for the update. Price? $12k for the purchase. I have said before that anytime I sell on Audiogon you have to go in knowing you can no longer get 50% of retail anymore and even at 40% of retail you will probably pay for shipping too.

[Bruce B]

This would be a good (safe?) deal for someone like Gary who travels to Singapore a couple times a year. He could make sure the unit is operational, pack and ship.

[cpp]

Not everyone wants a $100k table or even at $39k or or or. Pays to be darn sure on a purchase in those price ranges if your looking for resale in the years to come.
.

[user510]

It seems, quite obviously, like way too much depreciation for a mere 2 years ownership. I notice one speed control button cover is missing. Does this by itself knock down the value?
Seller is a dealer with some history. Likely not a scam.
Note about U.S. dealers and pricing. This one, unless it has some other issues not seen in the ad, could be a good flip. If given enough time to get past any economic uncertainty in this current tumultuous world political climate. Otherwise, a TechDAS Air force One for $39,500.00 might be a gem to hold on to. Anyone care to calculate the paypal fees? yeowww
-Steve

[MylesBAstor]

Maybe part of it is this industry goes in fads. Especially when it comes to high priced items. Couple of years ago, the AF1 was the bee's knees in Asia. Seems to have been supplanted lately by the Kronos that is around that price new?

[Beaur]

There's the real rub. The fashionistas have moved on to the "gear of the moment" which happens to be half the retail of the AF1 bringing down any resale. Also, the market for people that can afford a $40K TT and not a $100K one with support from dealer etc is fairly small I would assume. The trickle down works with $10 preamps selling for $5 or 6K but seems to break at these higher price points.

[MylesBAstor]

Agreed. That 100K table might just be your last. Better make the pick count.

[MylesBAstor]

this is almost too hard to watch, I think the seller slashed his price a few times: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tu...-analog-680602

What is the true used value of current high-end gear and is this a reflection of poor perceived value? there was a time, believe or not when dealers would buy gear off flippers just so it wouldn't impact the sale of new gear. I've been on audiogon almost since the beginning, back then 40% off for a current piece was fair, then 50% became the norm. this TechDas is closer to 65% off...wow.

That still happens on occasion but more with reviewers. Manufacturers don't want the price of customer's purchases devalued by reviewers selling stuff on line. Many manufacturers BTW watch sites such as Audiogon like a hawk. They look especially for dealers flipping stock, etc. Also transshipping domestically or internationally. Some manufacturers really try and support their dealers and watch for dealers selling outside of their territory.

[MylesBAstor]

Think part of it is related to their being so many more manufacturers nowadays too Fred?

[fcrowder]

There is no doubt that part of the problem is the proliferation of manufacturers; however, I think that is only part of the story. Many manufacturers are hard pressed by the economics of Asian markets where it is not unusual for the importer to receive a product for 35% of retail. This in turn squeezes the manufacturer to raise the retail price. There is also the perception by buyers that the higher the retail price, the better the product. A digital stack at $130K must be better than one selling for a fraction of that price. So again, there is little connection between price and value which I think is reflected on Audiogon. There is also the phenomena of many of the same product coming onto the market when the "insiders" find out that a new model or significant upgrade in about to come to market, fearing that the new product will severely depress the value of what they currently own. Again, the buyers are Audiogon are pretty savvy.

[MylesBAstor]

Great insights!

[MylesBAstor]

Are there some brands that hold their value more than others? Certainly there are few brands that rarely come up for sale either because a) there weren't many made or b) owners hangs onto the product.

[fcrowder]

Yes, some brands do hold their value better than others for exactly the reasons suggested. Cases in point are Rockport turntables (although not necessarily their speakers), Nordost Odin wire products, and older tubed McIntosh and Marantz amps. Some escalate in price given their rarity and reputation, such as Western Electric 300B tubes (and for that matter other WE gear) and Telefunken cca tubes.

[Guest]

#12.1

Beaur commented
03-15-2017, 06:16 AM

There's the real rub. The fashionistas have moved on to the "gear of the moment" which happens to be half the retail of the AF1 bringing down any resale. ....

If you want to be happy with your stereo, Is the moral of the story to stay away from audio forums? ;->