Tube Amp Resale Prices

[Redhawk]

Looking on websites that sell used tube amplifiers such as the Mcintosh MC275 there seem to be a lot of people selling virtually new units for 1,500 under the new price.

Are people buying them and removing/replacing a specific piece and selling them on?

The Cary Audio 300SEI falls into this catagory as well. 4,900 new and going for 1,800 on Audiogon. Not even half are old models.

Why are so many people buying them and selling them for significantly less after holding them for a short period of time.

[wkhanna]

Interesting observation.

I have been watching the used tube pre- amp market closely lately, and haven’t found such a disparity in pricing.

On a guess, maybe many are intimidated by tube power amps, being that the output tubes are normally quite expensive and shorter lived, along with the issues of impedance matching and system synergy?

[Redhawk]

I'm sure the vast majority are honest, but it just seems off. The only part that seems worth going after is the power transformer to put into an older version.

[sirbogey]

Very interesting observation, hope somebody could share some light on this. I've been looking at the used market for a while as well, but mostly solid state and haven't noticed such huge price differences. Although the Krell 400xi seems to behave similarly to what you are mentioning, and doesn't have any tubes. I really don't get it, I even auditioned it last year and was quite impressed with it.

[Briz vegas]

I have noticed a few sales of the 400xi in Australia and discussion on local forums from previous owners. That Krell has a bit of a reputation for being too in your face, maybe a bit bright. I have only heard the 300r and we put a tube pre-amp in front of it (running bypass). it certainly impresses right out of the gate.

It would seem that some find it less impressive after a few furlongs. Might not be the sort of stayer required to win the Melbourne Cup (just sticking with the horse analogy there).

[twitch54]

I have noticed a few sales of the 400xi in Australia and discussion on local forums from previous owners. That Krell has a bit of a reputation for being too in your face, maybe a bit bright.

I agree, the Krell is not my 'cup of tea' as well, paired with the right speakers,appropriate source and good room acoustics it might be OK, but for me I'd spend my money elsewhere.

With respect to big price differentials on used tube gear, while I don't see this as a universal sign, is that some folks bought in, didn't like, and want a 'quick' out ! Not to mention this time of year some just plain....need the money !

[soundhound]

I agree, the Krell is not my 'cup of tea' as well, paired with the right speakers,appropriate source and good room acoustics it might be OK, but for me I'd spend my money elsewhere.

With respect to big price differentials on used tube gear, while I don't see this as a universal sign, is that some folks bought in, didn't like, and want a 'quick' out ! Not to mention this time of year some just plain....need the money !

I would bet you nailed it twitch,on the pricing.
I recently sold my VTL ST-150 on craigslist of all places, and got my asking price, plain and simple.
All gear loses money the minute you drive it off the show room floor, but, the "better" stuff will ride its used value price point for years to come.
I would rather be trying to sell a tubed amp this time of year than an ss, as the guys who are looking at the tubed are typically not tire kickers.