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How badly does price drop for RIP manufacturer?

I have noticed posts of companies that have gone under. It is obvious that prices fall for gear from manufacturers that have gone under, but what happens to prices of gear whose restoration is practically impossible due to very specific components. Components that were made to order?
Examples of these might be things like:
The Sumo Polaris amps, that have a specific type of mosfet for the output stages.
Another example might be older gear, older Japanese RIP manufacturers like Sansui from the 70s.
Furthermore, the Spica speakers that had closed match tolerance drivers and perhaps crossover components.

Would you contemplate spending money, eventhough a minimal % of the original MSRP for gear that might die in the next sonic meltdown?
bemopti123
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I own such a piece. The Forte 4a amp. Nice. I am the original owner and would not part with it. It is pretty reliable, (unlike Counterpoint!) and would not hesitate to buy another.
So it all depends on the product and it's complexity, reliability, and sound.
I 'try' to buy stuff with the longevity of the company in mind, but sometimes that doesn't hold out.
I probably would NOT buy something that could never be fixed. (unless it was so cool that a second one might be good for a parts bin!)
listener57
730 posts
 
Platinum Audio Solo stand-mounted monitor loudspeakers deliver sound quality far beyond what one expects at the used price of $600 per pair. Attractive styling, and compact size make it home environment friendly. It features quality bass extension, and accuracy that owners of monitor speakers are always swearing they don't really miss.
The sub-woofer you don't crave makes this even more of a bargain.
Even though the designer moved to China, and his company closed its doors, he left behind some of his best work for the rest of us to enjoy.
artmaltman
769 posts
 
I think the Threshold people are still around and might be willing to work on the Forte if ever needed.
Art
rwwear
2,692 posts
 
Sansui is still in business although they keep a low profile in the US. There used classic products are still well thought of and garner respectible resell prices.

Since Platinum went out of business it has become difficult to find replacement parts for their speakers. Does anyone out there know where parts can be obtained? If so, let me know.
loontoon
301 posts
 
http://www.rsvlonline.net/vintageamp/archiveamps.htm

He's very good and can IMPROVE your amps performance.
The Forte while nice is very upgrade prone. For minimal $ you too can own a state of the art amp.

loon
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