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Anyone else noticing inflation in used gear $?

While quite non-scientific, judging by recent prices and the speed at which quality gear is moving on audiogon there seems to be both some price inflation and a pickup in the velocity of money? The economy is pretty horrendous, however I'd wager that audiophiles tend to be the more affluent among the general population - if not always rational... I generally subscibe to the theory that we are entering a period of stagflation, with inflation in the things we "need" and deflation in the things we "want" - however what I'm seeing here leads me to believe that either I'm incorrect or we all really do need Krell amps.
matti
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
It's supply and demand. Many people can't afford to trade up or buy new gear right now, so not much quality used gear is coming on the market. It's analagous to what it happening in the used car market.
tonykay
856 posts
 
Yes, we all really do NEED Krell amps! But, seriously, while the government sees negligible inflation, have you been to the gas station or grocery store lately? Of course,
prices are moving up on things we want and need. I spend a lot of time here on Audiogon and notice that if something is priced surprisingly low, relative to prevailing prices, it's sold before I even see the ad. Concerning quality
used gear on Audiogon, if you see what you want at a fair price-don't wait! I'm sorry it has come to that...but here we are. Obviously, bad for buyers, good for sellers.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I think things are picking up on Audiogon to some degree but I still see great bargains about every time I look. I am a dealer but have bought all my personal gear on here as it is way below dealer cost.
inna
5,245 posts
 
I don't need Krell but I do need LAMM, and there are a few at the moment to choose from. I am not sure about their prices, though they don't seem high to me, and are certainly negotiable. Yeah, some pieces are sold here within an hour or so, and other pieces never even appear.
So I can't say I noticed upward tendency, I think prices might just fluctuate a little.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
I agree, prices of used gear seem to be moving up. In addition to general inflation, new gear pricing of the top USA brands is moving up which increases the demand for the used stuff. This is particularly true of stuff from Europe. ProAc recently had a significant increase, and this coupled with unfavorable exchange rates puts landing goods from Europe in the USA more expensive. Gear manufactured/sourced in the Asia market seems to be holding prices steady, and continues to improve in quality. What's that expression, 'go west young man'.
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