What's happened to the used high end market recently?? Sales are tough....:0(

There is a problem with HEA.  That is summarized in today's article from Enjoy the Music:  Come Admire My Hi-Fi Jewelry Roger Skoff writes about what things cost, and why.   This essay delivers an important message about many HEA manufacturers (and their clients).  The equipment must appeal to the eye/visually or else it won't sell, regardless of audio quality according to many HEA manufacturers.   
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/viewpoint/0618/HiFi_Jewelry.htm  This is probably why there were so many new (and differently conceived) turntables at the recent Munich audio show.  Just check out Michael Fremer's AnalogPlanet.com site for several hours of exploration of the new LP spinners.  For some, looks mean almost nothing.  For others (and generally very expensive) the visuals are striking.  

First off I love to listen to music. If I sell something, my main interest lay in getting the stuff I sell to someone who will really enjoy it. And has little to do with the best price.In the past I have found really great equipment at below market value, and from guys who also share my belief about the buyer enjoying it.   I see folks who have as a main purpose getting the last penny out of the stuff. I guess that makes them happy.... One point about eBay prices, plenty of folks park used stuff there with outrageous prices, and sit on it. Some day some fool with money will pay for it. Those items do not reflect the real world prices of motivated sellers who have a desire to sell soon.....Prices do reflect the supply and demand. Demand in USA is down.So what. I can still enjoy my stereo just as much, demand or no demand.

I just sold a friend a Yamaha CR-1020 and a pair of Dynaco A-25 speakers for $450.  He needed the amp to run two pairs of average efficiency speakers.  Overall, a nice musical sounding combo with a good phono stage (he is buying a turntable soon).  I wanted these mint pieces of equipment to go to a good home.  (P.S. he returned a crappy $400 85w. multi-channel receiver that weighed 8 lbs. after I told him it wouldn't power even one set of speakers very well).  When I decide to sell my Fisher 400 and 500 receivers, McIntosh MC30s and assorted other high quality old gear, I won't be looking for the top dollar but rather to sell at a reasonable price.  Who wants to have the equipment sitting on ebay forever.

To be frank, there is an increase in buyers that are jerks.  There is a new culture that has injected itself into the scene that didn't exist 10 years ago.  Trying to scam low prices and make difficult transactions.  I'm done selling here.  It has little to do with the high prices for new equipment, which should only drive people to the lower-priced used stuff.  Many people have moved to other sites where there is a closer-knit community which brings credibility to transactions.