There has always existed a secondary market in audio equiptment just as there is one in autos, watches, paintings, etc. How can someone buy the lastest fad item from their dealer until they have moved yesterday's fad item? For many years I was a member of AudioMart a print journal of audio only adds. It was much the same as Audiogon except to play you had to be sponsored by an existing member. Fundamentally it was no different than Audiogon. But actually there are a few differences. The greater exposure of the net, democratization, if you will, has led to much higher prices for used gear and likewise, with more players in the game, there seem to be many more flakes out there, not to mention those that just don't understand the obligations and protocols for entering into a transaction.
Will Internet Distroy High End ?
The internet has been a godsend to those who wish to trade used equipment. It has also been ok for those dealers who care to do internet business. In the long run however, I don't envy local high end dealers. As more people jump on the used equipment bandwagon it may have a serious detrimental effect on new equipment sales. That in turn may distroy or shrink the cottage industry we call "High End Audio." We would then be left with all the mass merchandisers who want to reduce us all to mid-fi garbage. What do you think ?
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- 26 posts total
- 26 posts total