birchoak
Hi-Fi Nut
This is sort of a rant. If it's in the wrong place, my bad.
I understand why 100 watts-and-above amps/receivers command high prices. People crave power: it's sexy and it will always sell whether it's a boat, a car, or a 40 year old amplifier. Okay, makes sense. And legends like the Sansui 9090dB, the Kenwood KR-9600, the Pioneer SX-1250---of course prices will keep going up for these icons. They were the flagships in a remarkable time for hi-fi, a time that will never be repeated. Tube gear always fetches a premium because, well, tubes.
But why are sellers charging top dollar for things that are broken, totally abused, or not working at all? What am I missing here? These are not derelict SX-1980s, either--they are obscure, third-tier, or formerly undesirable pieces. Back in the day, if something was broken, missing parts, or smashed up it cost less and you and I could put a little sweat into it and maybe have a decent machine for ourselves without taking out a mortgage. It seems that era is over and I can't help but wonder, who on earth is buying this stuff at these prices? There are not that many good techs left on planet Earth who know how to work on this old gear.
I understand why 100 watts-and-above amps/receivers command high prices. People crave power: it's sexy and it will always sell whether it's a boat, a car, or a 40 year old amplifier. Okay, makes sense. And legends like the Sansui 9090dB, the Kenwood KR-9600, the Pioneer SX-1250---of course prices will keep going up for these icons. They were the flagships in a remarkable time for hi-fi, a time that will never be repeated. Tube gear always fetches a premium because, well, tubes.
But why are sellers charging top dollar for things that are broken, totally abused, or not working at all? What am I missing here? These are not derelict SX-1980s, either--they are obscure, third-tier, or formerly undesirable pieces. Back in the day, if something was broken, missing parts, or smashed up it cost less and you and I could put a little sweat into it and maybe have a decent machine for ourselves without taking out a mortgage. It seems that era is over and I can't help but wonder, who on earth is buying this stuff at these prices? There are not that many good techs left on planet Earth who know how to work on this old gear.