solid state integrateds that will hold their value

You should search out the Ayre integrated unit.....

@Stringreen, yeah Ayre is nice gear.

For me if you can get a very good condition vintage Accuphase E202 it will hold its value. You would definitely be able to re-sell it close to what you paid for it.

"09-10-14: Melbguy1
Atmasphere, unless you're talking about niche brands like Audio Note and Kondo, I can't agree with your statement. For a range of reasons SS integrated amps are deemed more reliable, and therefore a lower risk
proposition."

Atmasphere is right. Generally speaking, used tube gear holds its value better than solid state. Many audiophiles want tubes and won't settle for anything else.

There's one point I think you're missing here. Audiophiles are not your average people. They usually know what they are getting into before they buy. The risks are usually well known and they're OK with them. If you check out how much tube and ss gear actually sells for on sites like this and ebay, you'll probably change your mind.

@Atmasphere, I just realized I was confusing popularity with resale value per say. I understand where you're coming from now, and you could be right as I haven't researched resale value on tube vs solid state gear. I am just approaching it from the point of view the majority of punters are unlikely to buy high efficiency speakers, and my thinking that those with inefficient speakers would be less likely to steer toward a tube integrated amp due to some of the reasons I mentioned. But I accept there are exceptions such as the classic Vac Phi Beta and Viva Solista Mk3. Zd's comment above is also valid. There are also highly sought after ss Class A integrated amps such Vitus which maintain good resale value. Accuphase also generally maintain good resale. Speaking for myself as an audiophile with 24 years experience, I can tell you I bought all my current gear eyes wide open.