Did Collectors Ruin Our Vintage Stereo Hobby?

[@markschweitzer6920]

Collectors (or more specifically, "hoarders") tend to do this in all kinds of hobbies where vintage items exist. It's a little strange since brands like Pioneer, Technics, Marantz and Sansui were among the most highly discounted and advertised back in the 70's. As a result, retailers sold boatloads of them - so you'd think the number of existing units would mean the supply would be able to (almost) meet the demand, keeping prices reasonable. A lot of people seem to be grabbing these up simply as an investment, rather than to actually use them. They look pretty, sound nice, and have lots of lights, meters and buttons, and some folks are vigorously pumping them up to boost their value. If it's sound quality that's most important, and you don't need to fill an auditorium with music, there are less expensive and better options, and I think you have been helpful in showing your viewers some great examples.

[@4vinylsound]

It's because of all your KZbin channels promoting these products where everybody across the world wants them now so the demand is higher and they're not producing them anymore.

[@dbassman27]

That's not the case at all. There is a large market for well made audio equipment. Plus "boomers" are buying the stuff they wanted when they were kids, but couldn't afford back then.

[@scootermcgee8064]

Yep.

[@robertclark9]

I belong to a few Facebook groups about vintage Hifi. I got back into vintage stuff about 20 years ago, and have a nice system. But now, it’s all about bragging rights. Guys posting pics of the 13 monster receivers they own (and probably never listen to), have turned vintage audio into a dick measuring contest. Like anything else, ego is the anesthesia that dulls the pain of stupidity.

[@brunoprimas1483]

Yep.

[@1stcontact590]

I highly doubt that. I have been buying a fixing vintage stereos and equipment way before KZbin ever cam into the fold. Many people that I have dealt with ,had their equipment stored away somewhere or their kids had the task of cleaning up after the death of a loved one and find these items and place them on eBay or Craigs list.

[@mikepodorski4272]

I'm a car guy as well. Hot rodding used to be something accessible for everyone. You could pick up a tri 5 Chevy, a Superbee, Mustang, or whatever for a price most people could afford or at least save for. Since 2008, these cars are no longer obtainable, which I think kills the real hobby of being a car enthusiast. However, other cars that are obtainable are seeing love. There are great values out there to enjoy in the stereo world as well. And patience will pay off. I would bet in 3 years, prices will return to reality.

[@scootermcgee8064]

It’s crept into Japanese vintage cars as well. First it was Z cars and Datsun 510s, and now 80s and 90s Japanese cars are skyrocketing.

[@wvrockcrusher]

Yup. This is a passing fad that will be gone in a couple of years with stereo equipment. There is a small percentage of people that are hoarding certain things for whatever reason. People's attention span is pretty short so I would expect a couple of years, and the price implodes. Save your money because this stuff isn't worth what people are paying.

[@matthiasmartin1975]

I see a parallel with 1960s muscle cars. Back then it was huge horsepower for normie money. 1970s hifi is normie audio products with looks that you only get with high-end products these days. Both of these represent golden eras.

[@maybesomeday2596]

Boy...the truth. Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, RM, et al have monopolized the old car hobby to the affluent. Joe blue collar or hell, MANY office/white collars can't afford to play anymore. Disgusting.

[@saladsalad9991]

@@wvrockcrusher lol people said this was passing fad 15 years ago, and they were wrong and so are you.

[@FRUITNERD]

As usual, another great video! Thank you! This whole subject has caused me to get out of vintage audio collecting as well as repairing. Years ago I used to either buy or was given broken audio gear. I would repair and give the gear to less fortunate people so that everybody could enjoy the beauty of music! In the past 3 years I have completely stopped repairing gear for anyone except my close friends because everyone is buying at basement prices, wanting you to repair it for next to nothing and then resell for astronomical prices. I no longer contribute to this madness.

[@ConcreteKid54]

Great content as always, thank you Kevin! I collect several antique/vintage items besides stereo; cars, tractors, lunch boxes, WWII memorabilia. They all go through swings in "current value", often large swings. I liken it to a rotating lighthouse beam. Wherever the beam is focused, the market is hot. But the beam is constantly moving and so does market activity and values. For collectors part of the lure is ownership and part is the hunt to not only find a desired item, but to buy it at a price which fits. I really enjoy analytics. You might consider selecting a very limited menu of different vintage equipment items and keep a trending chart over time. Some of your subscribers, like me, would enjoy an annual review of activity.

[@ForeverAnalog]

I think people aren't buying tube amps because they are worried about the low power output and that it won't be enough for their speakers, while I've found a 15 watt or lower tube amp paired with high sensitivity speakers sounds amazing with plenty of volume. That being said, I just picked up a tube amp from 1958 for $425 and it needs a full recap and while I don't mind spending that same amount of money to bring it up to spec, I think others wouldn't want to invest that money again into a unit they just bought lol. Great video as always!

[@mikeg2491]

I know it sounds crazy but just the concept of changing a burnt tube out scares people. I’m no electronic maintenance expert but I’ve had no issues with tube equipment for couple years now, never had to change one except for rolling either.

[@robertclark9]

Tube amps are not about sound to the zealots. A guy posting his 14 vintage monster receivers isn’t concerned with sound. He concerned with how many likes he can get on Facebook. And if it costs him $100,000 grand, no big deal.

[@johnstump2433]

One of my favorite class A amplifiers I own is a vintage The Fisher SA-300 and it doubles as a space heater in the winter…🥵

[@mikecampbell5856]

Hey Aaron!

[@44amanaplanacanalpanama44]

If you can repair it yourself, it's pretty much worth doing, no matter what. Lately I've been refurbing Adcom power amps. They offer good bang for the buck, particularly the Pass designed models.

[@lbowsk]

I am no longer a collector, just an owner. Simply because the prices have gone insane. 20 years ago? Sure. Fisher 500B WITH a mint wood case for 35 bucks. A mint Sansui G5700 for 35 bucks. A Marantz 2240 (physically gorgeous but a wonky channel) for 40 bucks. Broke the bank with a Pioneer SX980 for 300 bucks. Now? Fuhhgeddaboutit. And, I had all of my really nice pieces completely gone over and recapped. Each cost me between 4-500 bucks to have that done. So, you need to factor that into a vintage purchase. Were I to find something minty today at a reasonable price? Sure. But that ship has largely sailed and I spend 1/10th of the time searching for them as I used to. My 2270 dream has vanished. When looking at eBay, I typically only review SOLD listings to get an idea for price, because people are ASKING ludicrous prices. I can't help but wonder how many of them don't sell as a result. There is a guy near me who vacuumed up every piece he could find and now has 30-40 pieces of them listed on CList. I keep seeing them over and over so that tells me people are not buying his (crazily priced) stuff. WRT tape decks, I threw my Nakamichi in a dumpster 20 years ago. It required constant repair and I reached my limit. Plus, I was sick of tape hiss. But I still have my Teac reel to reel.

[@9496TULL]

Agree

[@dtracy03ss]

High End , Cassettes are not in the Tape Hiss category, my Pioneer CT-A9X is So Quiet with a Good Quality Tape people thought they were listening to CD, same goes for the High end Nakamichis , the 3 head Decks have specs of Reel 2 Reels! But all in all the Higher End are the only Decks worth having and that's across the Brands. Quote a Few internet sites live off Cassettes. Love my 4 Decks.

[@Miohunter444]

It's crazy how cheap the stuff was 10,15 years ago lol. Now it's nuts,im definitely not selling my Marantz, it's like a savings account now lol

[@AUTISTICLYCAN]

The most I ever paid for a vintage receiver was $3,500 for my Pioneer SX-1980. I knew I must have lost my flippin mind when I brought it but it was my dream receiver near mint condition at the best price i'd ever seen. It came with free shipping. I jumped on it. I have 4 Pioneer RT-707's and love them. I have a few cassette decks and troublesome beasts they are to be sure but I love them. I've been lucky My best cassette deck is a Pioneer CT-3000. It's the prettiest cassette deck in my whole collection. The I have 3 Technics M270X's and so far they have been tanks. I got my Pioneer SX-1280 for $1,800, my Marantz 2330B for $1,800 an estate sale mint condition version in the original box. Got a Pioneer SX-1050 for $800 and a SX-1080 for $750. I got a Hitachi SR-2004 for $1,400. I just got a Pioneer SX-D7000 for $500. Pioneer R-707's are cheap right now. Right now the vintage audio market is too hot for me. I did not buy my collection as an investment. I brought my vintage audio collection to immerse myself in the glory days of my past that I could not afford back then as a skinny starving college student. When I die my niece can sell it all or keep it. I gave her instructions on how to sell it all. The last BIG TICKET items I brought before I stopped collecting was 2 sets of rare speakers. A set of Dunlavy SC-IV's and a set of Acrylic Pioneer HPM-100 Demo speakers for $3,000 for each pair. I know insane. 🤪What was I thinking?🤣

[@johnnyho8765]

I have a Teac as well. My favorite piece.

[@Tijuana_Drone]

I was given a Marantz 2325 and a Marantz 6300. I had the 2325 serviced at a shop in San Diego and serviced the 6300 my self. I never thought the would be worth so much. I’m glad my uncle gave such a gift.

[@4vinylsound]

When I bought my pioneer SX1250 receiver 7 8 years ago it was $1200 and that was before any KZbin channels of vintage audio now 7 years later you got all these KZbin channels and boom prices skyrocket.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Interesting observation about receivers versus integrated amp price rise. Must be nostalgia buys because who pays those prices for the additional tuner. I will say that vintage JVC mono boombox was great back in the day. Thanks Skylabs, see you next Sunday morning.

[@TorontoJon]

If someone is going to pay $4,000 for a vintage Marantz receiver now they may as well buy a brand new Advance Paris receiver for half the price with gorgeous looks that are reminiscent of highly sought after vintage receivers. We've reached a point now where buying new makes more sense than paying insane prices for vintage (as much as I love vintage).

[@AaronAbbotttheoncomingstorm]

Exactly. The point of vintage audio equipment was both the retro look, but that you could get a really great piece of equipment for less than modern pieces - now,.for someone like me, who mostly wants good audio quality, why would I pay a premium for vintage equipment when new, modern equipment costs less and doesn't need repairs and will likely last longer.

[@reindeer8890]

One problem is that the cost of signal processing and amplification is approaching zero. I think most of what these people are buying is casework. It's funny how much a nice faceplate and knobs will cost you when manufacturing a thing.

[@reindeer8890]

@@AaronAbbotttheoncomingstorm It's funny to think how cheaply you can replicate the performance of a lot of these products. In a sense, it's like collecting old television sets.

[@PossibleAudio]

Good research. They're matching the inflation rate in 2024 vs 1975 in a lot of those cases. Hitting the value they were when new or exceeding it. Also the mint condition, unrestored units are hot hot hot. People think those out of spec caps makes it sound more "original" than a restored unit.

[@sammaze2103]

Kevin. The prices today are insane ! I have worked on this equipment since the 1960’s ! PT Barnum said it well ! There is one born every minute ! When you truly Service this equipment you are opening Pandora’s box ! Throwing in new capacitors is only the beginning in what needs to be done ! The skill level required to really rebuild a 50 year old receiver takes years of experience! I hate to see people scammed into thinking the unit they are buying is Truly Rebuilt! I’m my opinion Buyer Beware !

[@jasonk5979]

Unless the third party market or you can find a good used part that isn't just as worn. A simple switch or volume pot/balance control. That is broken can ruin a person's day. They're often proprietary. And not available.

[@user-mv5bu2kk8b]

I'm sick of cap changers bringing me basketcases to sort out next to nothing they aren't educated enough to do a decent job and get upset when you tell yhrm the cost of repair then complain that parts are vhrsp on the evil bay etc.

[@user-mv5bu2kk8b]

I knew a tube josrder.. mostly junk that was impossible to work with they are greedy as f and a major waste of mu time which they won't pay for go to school boomers

[@reindeer8890]

It's a shame there doesn't seem to be a kit to put a modern receiver-on-a-board into a vintage Marantz with external connections, knobs, etc. working. I think that's been done with pinball machines in order to avoid old controller boards.

[@jasonk5979]

@@reindeer8890 It's often not the electronics that are impossible to replace or substitute. Though that happens more than it used to. But the parts that make it look cool. The pots and balance controls. Switches ect. My HK receiver . 1978 had a pot that is unavailable. Somebody on eBay had a used one. Otherwise the whole amp would have been junk.

[@govinda102000]

The stereos are still out there. Frequent thrift shop visits, word of mouth with friends/family. Many old stereos are the homes of elders.

[@machintelligence]

Like me for instance. I own vintage audio equipment that I purchased new -- 50 years ago.

[@BIGD-gj1vb]

Thrift stores are well aware of vintage anything. They either sell on ebay or sell them privately before putting anything on the shelf.

[@govinda102000]

@@machintelligence I work at an auto shop and my elder boss knows a lot of people. He lets them dump stuff and I usually see one of these stereos yearly.

[@MichaelYates]

As always another nice video. While these big high end models are getting in to big figures there are still some nice little bargains in the lower end models.

[@almightyian]

Shhh!

[@acrossthedial]

Gasp....thump... I just fell over after hearing those prices. You are so right about the tube equipment being stuck in neutral, getting harder to sell.

[@Brownguy342]

I don’t fault you for making a living. More power to you! Make all the money you can. This always happens. Normal people find a fun relatively inexpensive hobby. Rich people want in on the fun and price the normal person right out of the hobby. When I was 14 my dad bought what would be my first car for $3500. It was 1969 Camaro SS 350. The year was 1989. We replaced the motor, fixed a lot of worn out stuff, and drove it. I sold it in the early 2000’s for $12,000. In the same condition today it would bring $40,000. The car was nice but not that nice. It was a driver. The customer is what changed.

[@trippmoore]

Same is true for real estate. All those rundown loft apartments in soho only had the deabbeat art community to rent to. Then it became sheik and the rich wanted to buy their way into being relevant. So they priced out the poor artists that made that place cool. Same for places like Venice Beach in SoCal. In fact nearly every beach community was once only were the poors lived. The rich had their private beach clubs to go to, but eventually having a bungalow at the beach became trendy and it all got bought up, torn down, with minimansions buikt in their place with zero space between one building and the next.

[@buriedinvinyl]

It happens with all hobbies. I call it the "trickle up" theory. Eventually the wealthy end up owning all the best collectables.

[@pervertedalchemist9944]

Back in 2014, you could easily get vintage audio equipment for a reasonable price. Sometime after 2018, that's when I saw things spiraling out of control. They even charge ridiculous prices for stuff that hasn't been serviced, repaired or even rebuilt, SMH.

[@AudioGuyBrian]

It all happened around COVID. Because people were stuck at home and got back into their home audio equipment they started looking at new vintage gear to replace or augment what they already had.

[@AudioGuyBrian]

Blank Cassette Tape! Before COVID you could get your hands on a 10 pack of Maxell XLII-S 90 minute tapes, new in the box and still in their wrappers for maybe $50. A year after COVID they were going for $15 per tape, and now as high as $25 per tape. Hell, even the Sony Metal Masters that used to sell for $40 per tape, are now going for as much $279 PER TAPE!!! Insanity!

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

I am fortunate to have mostly maxell xl2 and udxl2 some tdk sa too just a few maxell metal 110 mins ones! Anyway I love my Nakamichi zx9 too

[@jessefillmore]

I was onto blank cassettes in 2008 . Back in 2005/06 I got into vinyl and saw what was happening . I was buying up Type 2 and Type 1 cassettes at thrift stores, flea markets, ebay & yard sales . I even found a load of type 4 "Metal" cassettes . I like recording on my 4 tracks and they too were gaining popularity . Only thing I couldn't find was a Nakamichi Dragon . I did find a Nak 660 . Please don't think I bragging , I'm just proud my dumbass jumped the market on something for once LOL .

[@lloydgreen4091]

As a Mac component owner I find myself "going down the rabbit hole" after Green Lit Dials, Pre in Amp out albeit low power receivers under $125 with shipping. Just to show Guest what McIntosh really represents. It's ALL Thanks to THIS channel LOL & a little from a Horse Racing Stream Chatter member. lol I was gifted a 2220B, SX-750 & SX-1050 a few years after I bought the Mac stuff. Still that Stack of Five Green Lit receivers are pretty Impressive Looking Also. Thanks Kevin lol Wish You & Dad the Best in this New Year.

[@toddclarke1580]

eBay buyers are sometimes paying the high asking price, stealing parts off them , and saying it was not as described, getting their money back. And shipping it back.

[@yardbirds8414]

Yep. I just posted a response to this stating the same thing ........

[@dddevildogg]

I had a VCR repairman do this- on a Panasonic PV something- the stereo demod chip was NLA and that's what he determined my problem was.That is until I was in his shop and saw the exact same machine in his office- he stole my chip and put his chip in my VCR and gave it a thumbs down. Oh yeah, I brought it in to get new belts.Nothing wrong anywhere else on the unit-it wouldn't eject a tape

[@Dan-in-the-Wild]

While I point my finger at you, I’m not trying to inflict guilt. People watch your channel and get tuned in to what’s hot in quality and value. You sir are a big contributor.

[@francescotenti193]

You are 100% right, vintage receivers have gone through the roof in the last few years, and not just the flagships but entry and mid level as well. A few years back, I bought a Pioneer SX 550 in excellent conditions for $150.00 including shipping, now the average in the same condition is well North of $300.00. The same for an SX 780, bought for $275.00, including shipping, in excellent general condition and I paid $85.00 for an internal cleanup and general service. The equivalent now is far more than doubled. Even my old SA 6500 II has more than doubled in price in the last 3-4 years and ditto for the only turntable I bought since 1980: the SL-D2. Reason(s)? Nostalgia? Looks? Sound? Baby boomers with more disposable income? Probably all of the above but not so much as investments, IMHO, too trendy and risky. I would never spend $1,000's for that SX 1980 or 1250 but I would on a new McIntosh, and I will next year since I am finally done with college tuitions, the last was just a week ago and it was quite expensive. I still have a double deck Sony from the early 90's and I did replace the belt myself, not so difficult and it still sounds good. Great video, presentation and topic.

[@johnny_fiv3]

Crazy to think that I gave away a Dual 1219 5 years ago. Darn automatic functions. Needed a good clockmaker to work on it.

[@stevenemartin]

The fun part is learning how they work

[@brunohebert1351]

The other problem is nowadays people who are not in the hobby but find out they have a piece for sale, they look at those prices and think wow jackpot, and then try to sell the (non or barely working) entry level Pioneer or Technics for crazy money "because I saw it's worth that much" I have a Pioneer SX-636 that needs some love and probably some servicing too to be honest, I wouldn't be surprised to see such piece going for a 300-400 asking price. I don't want to get rid of it but in all honesty, 100-150 is the most it's worth in its condition (different story if fully serviced) Also, be wary for the listing online that says "fully restored", often they just did a clean, removed the dust inside (if lucky), use some deoxit on the pots (if lucky) If a seller claims it's fully serviced they should be able to prove it somehow especially if it was sent to a shop

[@VintageGearMan]

I have been over it for years. Sitting on a good bit of vintage working gear bought years ago. I have moved on to newer gear that actually does not suck for the money. I have some vintage gear I use daily. "IF" I had more room these days I would still be running 24 vintage speakers on one wall like I used to. Took me a few years to match the speakers to said amps etc. It was heaven! Took 1350 watts to get it done total. Miss those days. I had 3 different turntables set up on the fly for said music compatibility and cartridges.

[@blueribb99]

The Pioneer SX-1980 had an MSRP of $1295 in 1978, but I paid much less than that in 1980 from a wholesale NY mail-order distributor. I always wanted a flagship receiver back then. I kept if for about 10 years before selling it. The reason for selling it was surround sound receivers started to take over the market. I never really needed the power of the SX-1980 since I owned a pair of Klipsch Cornwall Speakers. They are extremely efficient and only require a few watts. I still own the Klipsch Cornwalls and also a pair of similar Cerwin Vega speakers.

[@johnstump2433]

That was my exact set up in the late 70’s with the SX-1980 and the Cornwall’s. Purchased my Pioneer for $699 from a hi-fi store in California, It was on sale at the time. I still have everything, including the box and the original sales receipt and it’s my every day driver to this day.

[@VVT4ME]

Ive done alright with the pieces i bought last year. Pioneer SX-737 in near perfect condition for 150. Its in the living room 😊 Picked up an SX-535 for 100 bucks. Perfect physical condition and just needed a basic dusting and deox. Its in my bar. Granted they aren't power monsters but they sound GREAT and look AWESOME. So happy with them. Picked up a working SX-680 for 100 bucks too, not sure where its going yet, but itll have a place in the house. My favorite find is a monster Bose 551 spacial receiver, its beautiful. grabbed it for 100 bucks and after a 145 dollar service its working great and looks incredible. Going in my family room/2nd listening room. The hunt's been fun.

[@RickBranson]

What year did you buy them? Doubt you will get a Pioneer SX-737 in near perfect condition for $150 today. I know I wouldn't sell mine for that price. js

[@VVT4ME]

@RickBranson 2024. I got the 737, a Perfect Technics QD33 turntable, and a set of Pioneer CS-33a's for 250. So the 150 number I figured on the value of the other things in the bundle.

[@alm5693]

Records went through the same thing and I'm sure watches and many other items have too. I saw a Harman Kardon 930 for $4000 last week.

[@johnnyho8765]

Yes. 35$ for a used record that looks like someone used as a frisbee with a moldy cover.

[@DethFromAbove1985]

I wish I would have known about this in my youth. My parents spent so much money on junk 90s all in ones. I wish I could have steared them in the right direction. I only really got into this just before the pandemic. The guy that sold me my Marantz said that it was a $40 pawn in the 90s.

[@JordanElliottMcClure]

25 years ago when I worked at a couple of thrift stores, all this stuff was considered garbage. All silver faced components were priced at $40 or less. It was a different time to be sure. Still, this whole thing is crazy to me.

[@JordanElliottMcClure]

I also think it’s strange that Realistic equipment is highly valued these days. Old Radio Shack gear. That’s just weird to me.

[@mrboat580]

Great topic and video. Not paying a 10th of the asking prices. Helps that I still have my old Pioneer gear from the '70s. I would rather collect what amounts to tomorrows collectibles. I think things like the WiiM amp will be what I consider a collectible, or some of those robust AVRs from around Y2k. I'm just not crazy about analog pots. I have some pre-hdmi AVRs that are built like tanks and perfectly suitable for 2 channel use, complete with pre-outs, bass management, over 100wpc, and the ability to drive pretty much any difficult speakers. I have built some unique amps and speakers. That tends to cure the collectibles itch and a distraction to all the other upgrade and audio quirks.

[@mr.goodwrench8273]

I own a Sansui G-6700. I picked this thing up for $40 dollars at a TV & radio repair shop in Fairview Heights, Illinois back in 1999. I believe I will keep it. Thanks for the information. I like watching your YT channel.

[@scofab]

I'm just finishing up an overhaul/rebuild/upgrade on a JVC/Victor PC-55... man you don't even wanna know. Makes the one-piece boxes look absolutely simple by comparison. I restore these as a hobby/side gig, but I'm in Japan and not taking on overseas customers... just too many complications with shipping and all. Thanks as always and regards, and HI to Pops.

[@mrpbody44]

One other thing that is driving prices. Look at the higher end home decorating/house tour shows. Many times the vintage audio gear is featured and they have big 1970's receivers and reel to reel tape decks.

[@johnruppert5630]

As with most collectibles there usually is a top and then prices will come down. The flagships and the most mint examples will always command premiums. But as the older collectors die off the next generation may not have the same interest. This has happened in the collector car market. Model A Fords aren’t in demand anymore.

[@granddad-mv5ef]

As per usual, I learned a lot. Also as per usual, the comments are just as helpful. Great channel!

[@PumpkinKingXXIII]

It kills me how expensive all the classics has become. I have a Scott lk-150 amp. The caps were going bad. My friend and tech passed away. My cousin said he knew a guy in Houston that’s real good. I told my cousin DO NOT use it. Bring it to the guy and after he recaps the power supply and you can borrow it. He instead decided to ignore me. He plugged it in and after about a week of use the caps failed and it destroyed the right output transformer and a set of grey plate tungsol and two Philips 5ar4. I will never be able to afford to replace it and will probably never be able to find a factory Scott transformer. Those transformer are unique and so replacing them with something else would never reproduce the magic the factory ones had.

[@TorontoJon]

Several years ago, I monitored the cost on eBay of vintage Marantz receivers over a 5-year period and witnessed Marantz 2270s consistently selling for between $750 and $850 and I finally pulled the trigger to buy one for $650 a few years ago which made me sick to my stomach, but literally a week later, 2270s were once again selling for $850 to $1,200 each on eBay and these days, the prices are even more insane, so I count myself lucky to have a 2270 which I probably never would have owned in the future due to skyrocketing prices. Around that time, I also purchased a Marantz 2230 and 2235B on eBay for about $300 each in total (bid price plus shipping) and the prices of those units have doubled or tripled now. It's just nutty.

[@robkorczak]

My jaw hit the ground. I remember my dad bought (somewhere) that Tape Deck revolving changer for pennies and it was a fun novelty back around 1989-1992 but we didn't think much of it. It worked and it was neat and looked unique so when I saw the sold price on that broken one I was shocked. I wish we still had that cassette changer carousel player.

[@nesutoneko]

Yes and it's all of the shine on KZbin/instagram/Tik Tok. Facebook marketplace still has amazing deals.That said, I personally don't get all of the receiver love - is it the shiny lights from the tuner? How many folks are listening to terrestrial radio these days? Nostalgia? Integrated amps, sure - love em.

[@portsidebear]

I've always preferred integrated amplifiers, power amplifiers and pre-amp separates over receivers. They have a sense of elegance receivers just don't have. Tube amps are a notch above with that warm glow along with the warm sound! It's nice to know the prices on these units haven't gone stupid.

[@alain99v6]

I started as a collector-user, buying stuff for cheap selling for higher price after I found something better , but now i m just a user, I reached a stability in my gears I m pleased and used them almost daily and feel no need to upgrade i even sold my Pioneer RT-707 reel to reel found on Marketplace for $25 , never used it and sold 2 years later for $550 , wanted a Marantz receiver got a 1530 upgraded to 2252B, cd player got a Kyocera DA-310cx upgraded to DA-710cx, speakes were a long quest (cerwin vega to Bose to Mission to Celestion to Thiel)

[@sand0077]

I was purchasing nice units from thrift stores for next to nothing 20 years ago. Some working others needed service but that was fine as I intended to accumulate them and work on them in my retirement. Seeing the same going for these astronomical prices is truly astounding. Who would've thought?

[@AndreHair37]

Off topic, these units that are being sold for these prices, are the buyers asking for service records? And furthermore are they asking for manufactures OE parts receipts?

[@mcgjohn22]

good video. and you are right certain market segments (vint receivers) are going through the roof price wise. not sure why integrated amps from the same era are stagnant. also quite possible new receivers from the large manufacturers are driving this too. If a person looks at the upper level of home theater receivers these are all priced at 3k to 6k.

[@2comicsonabench]

It took me forever to sell my recapped Pioneer sx-1250 on eBay at 3100. I've been trying to sell 2 recapped Sansui Au-20000 Integrated Amps for 6 months. I might part with 2 Sansui Ba-5000 amps but, the offers that come in are insulting prices. People have cooled off on the vintage integrated amps for sure. Feels like a recession to me. Also as you pointed out in one of your recent videos everyone that likes this stuff is old 50+ (Myself included). Maybe it's a lot, but I used to get X product for X dollars, and we can't move past it.

[@cmintsurfer]

There's a cycle collectables travel. The peak value is when a generation buys them to remember a past experience. I think that is now. I base this on how the Model T value rose and fell. Millions made and plenty still out there.

[@paulsto6516]

The Master Groove phono pre amp has come down a bit.

[@Bladerunner220]

Good subject. I’m shocked to even see broken cassette decks going for 500 dollars.

[@johnlaw6735]

I'm lamo seeing the stuff i saved up as a kid to buy because i love music costing much more than when i had bought it new. I'm never selling my stuff, there is a reason i bought it to listen to the music i love...not for an investment to make a profit but an investment into my well being, music just brings me soothing joy.

[@J_Dubb1]

Only thing that REALLY surprised me in this was the boomboxes. I have seen a lot of hype around them over the past few years, but those prices are wild. This was a great video!! Thanks for the info. Off to spin a few lp's on my 6320 and be happy I bought it when i did.

[@MagicMaus29]

I love working on cassette decks. That's why I already have over 50 in my collection. But for good reason, I only do this privately and would never offer it commercially. No one would be willing to pay even close to the time and work, that goes into repairing one, let alone restoring it.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

Can you at least tell me where to get parts for Nakamichi 350 and 550? Can I replace rubber part Im somewhat handy

[@72vespa]

I've seen this trend in the vintage car/motorcycle world. 25 years ago when I was restoring vintage Volvo's (56-76) it was often hard to justify the cost of restoration with what could sell for. I think nowadays, the people driving up the audio market are people who don't ever have to check their bank account before making any purchase. Receivers (and turntables) I sort of get because nothing today comes close to looking like them and most of the higher end models (with restoration) can sound as good as 90% of the people need. Speakers are another thing as I feel that with modern tech, newer speakers can sound much more accurate (for what that's worth) than vintage speakers. With vintage speakers, besides needing to be refoamed, will need to have their crossovers gone over. My Realistic Optimus 5b speakers which I've had since new have defiantly lost some of their original "sparkle". Compared to receivers, speakers are much more affordable to repair, but may never sound as "good" as modern units, but good enough for us "common" folks .....

[@PjotrStroganov]

Another difference between turntables and receivers is that turntables are used for one thing: playing records. Receivers are can be used in a multitude of ways.

[@TorontoJon]

2:03 Wow, I felt physically ill paying $300 each (Canadian) for a Marantz 2230 and 2235B several years ago on eBay as well as about $650 Canadian for a Marantz 2270 a number of months later, but now, those 2230 and 2235B units have at least doubled in price and the Marantz 2270 has doubled or even tripled (or beyond). It's just nutty. I still chuckle that I only paid $25 for a Marantz SR2000 which is a pretty lightweight unit and is not in the same class as a 2230, 2235B, or 2270, but it was still a cool unit to find at a local Salvation Army Thrift Store about 15 years ago in perfect working condition. :)

[@professionalsteve]

I have been an enthusiast for about 6 years. Bought a lot of stuff, figured out what I liked, and moved on. But I listen to my Pioneer 1250 everyday. I have a couple of nice sounding Marantz 2230's that sound really nice. Would sell them for $700. I dont think that is too expensive for someone who wants to own a nice vintage system that will service them well. The top end models in every collectible will command the big prices as there is just not enough to supply demand. Besides, Iowa has not gotten too crazy on prices.

[@aheadtothepast]

Hi Kevin. I research stuff and what I found was the high-priced stuff, for the most part, is not selling. I was going to buy a Pioneer SX-1080 to resell. Owner wants $500 and it comes with an old turntable. She's sitting on it and I'm in no hurry to buy it. I'm afraid I won't want to sell it once I hear. I can't afford to tie up $500 on gear. I have some stuff that costs $100- $200 bucks and I like how they sound through Baby Advents. Staying put for now. Thanks for another great video!!

[@CatFoodDraino]

The great thing about the caliber of audio gear mentioned in this video is that this equipment sounds as a good or better as some of the insanely expensive stuff today. I agree that some prices are, wooo way up there. But a good pair of JBL or Altec Lansing VOTT/604's can be had reasonably priced that will dominate speakers 5-10x their price. Thanks for sharing!

[@SuperMcgenius]

Like the stock market, Rapid rise in values are usually followed by swift declines, I sold my HK 930 last month for about 700 bucks, 10 years ago I couldn’t even get 200. I’m not a collector. I wonder if some of these sales on eBay are false sales to boost up values. I just can’t imagine as an audio file spending 4000 bucks on a pioneer receiver. you are correct by noting the Paris advance amplifier will crush an old receiver in sound quality.

[@andrevanstiphout]

I'm in Australia. Yesterday (12th January, 2025) an SX-1980 sold for $15000 AUD (approx. $9200 USD). About 3-4 years ago, the same model (in better condition) sold for $10000 AUD. So in a relatively short time the price has increased by 50%. At the time of the $10000 sale it was pointed out on various forums that this was well above the market price at the time but as they say, an item is worth whatever someone is prepared to pay for it. The problem with all this is that other sellers with lesser offerings suddenly think that they too can demand ridiculously high amounts for whatever they might be offering. It creates a false image of what some of this gear is actually worth. The expectation from some of these sellers is that they can go into their workshop, grab the shitty/dirty/un-refurbished Pioneer/Marantz/Kenwood/etc. receiver and then expect to get top dollar for it. I hope that buyers, seeking a little HiFi history, do not cave in to this mentality. While the SX-1980 is somewhat of a rarity in Australia, it still doesn't justify the gouging. My advice to buyers is to keep looking for your piece of audio nirvana. I have, on more than one occasion, been successful. Happy hunting.

[@vinceabruscato2319]

No kidding! I started to put together a vintage system for my enjoyment 6 months ago and have watched prices greatly increase in just that short time. Luckily I am able to do most repairs myself so that helps keep cost down. My latest purchase was a "parts only" PL-518XD for $200. One sold on Reverb for $1200. The plinth was in good shape so I picked up a donor 518 and I am making 1 out of 2. I still will have $500 dollars invested, it is not cheap. Kinda takes some of the fun out of it. It may be a "Combination of the Two" but is by no means any longer "Cheap Thrills".

[@jeffbranch8072]

The same happened many years ago with the classic car hobby. 'Boomers drove prices up starting in the 1980's and became ridiculous in the 1990's. Even worse TV auctions (Jackson-Barrett) created unrealistic expectations but what was never televised were just how many of those ridiculous deals fell through, around 30%. I'm a lifelong Pontiac fan and I'd love to have a GTO or first gen Firebird but a strippo Tempest 4 door sedan with OHC6 is all I can afford. And I enjoy taking it out for a drive at a fraction of the cost. So now getting into this hobby late I'm mostly working with what I've accumulated over many years. Since I know just how much I like listening to my Pioneer SX-434 I stay at the low end of the market. I've added a Harman Kardon 330B and Sansui 661 that I shopped for best prices available (not lowest but best value in good condition) and love them. I have no need for a Marantz, McIntosh, etc. I like my speakers, especially the Ohm Model E, and Pioneer PL-10 manual turntable, so I haven't bought any more of these yet.

[@timbabyfacesavage377]

Real easy answer YES!!! It's ridiculous how much people are asking for fairly average stereos from the 60s 70s and early 80s.

[@ripjones5294]

Collector/Flipper/Hoarder have hit Vintage Electronics, just like the hit Real Estate back in the COVID (China Virus) days. They are PRAYING that prices continue to climb. It truly is nuts. While yes, I would LOVE to have some of the items you mentioned, I just cannot afford to tie up that much money. Another enjoyable installment, as usual.

[@austinjwb]

i collect boomboxes and it is crazy out there. but i will say, watching from the sidelines, deals definitely do pop up! as recent as last year i’ve gotten incredible deals for very rare sought after boomboxes in basically mint condition. just gotta watch out for

[@4vinylsound]

After I watch you and Lenny all I wanna do is play my vinyls and shop to do upgrades and change system/ better my system. Their's your answer.

[@WilliamLipski]

For 2G's or more I'm going new with the warranty.

[@ronm7394]

Not to mention better sound in most cases.

[@bongatumtum]

At the beginning of the pandemic, I scored a "serviced" SX-1280 for under a grand. It has some cosmetic damage and a chipped heatsink, but it still looks great overall. I've had to pump about $400 into it, but overall, I made out a like bandit. Not so with my Sansui SR-838 that I bought last January. It too was "serviced," but was already pricey at $700. I had speed control issues from day 1 and the original tech never made it right. It's been at another tech's since summer and still waiting for parts...

[@DukeN1WWS]

Keith, it may be time to relook your stance on quad receivers. I have a Sansui QRX -9001, 7001, 7500, 5500 and 3500. Also a G-5000 and a G-801. Have not decided which quad to keep yet. I’m going through them all getting them healthy.

[@ChuckF-oy2rm]

Well at least, as a channel that promotes 'vintage' equipment, you're admitting the prices are out of control. Emotions drive prices and the receivers are the show pieces with the lights, switches and meters. I agree the prices have been stupid and as they go higher the speculators move in and drive it even higher. Even beat up junk is selling. We have a few guys in our city which openly buy anything vintage, one has his house completely filled with it like it's a gold rush. I was thinking of getting something, but I’m on the sidelines until a correction occurs. Should be fun, but now it isn't unfortunately. Cheers

[@stevezeidman7224]

It is a bit sad about the receiver because they were my entry into the hobby and they are aesthetically beautiful. However, I’m glad the integrateds and the separates are stable. I’m probably more likely to buy them. Even Marantz 1250s are within reach. My first separates were a Marantz 3200/140/104? Not sure on the tuner. They were beautiful.

[@billwoods9302]

The winner of the Stereo Wars was the Technics SA-1000 that produced 330WPC RMS. I saw a restored, recapped model on sale for $14K. That's modern, audiophile equipment price ranges. It appears that all of the flagships from that era are now bank breakers. Thankfully, Skylabs exists to let us know that old Harman Kardon receivers with dual mono power supplies are the best kept, affordable secret in vintage Hi-Fi.

[@Pksparty2112]

I once refurbished vintage equipment as a side hobby. I haven’t purchased anything in about 3 years. The market is in a bubble. Hard to tell when it will bursts

[@southpaw1959channel]

So glad I got back into this at a time where prices were half of what my Marantz receiver and tt would sell for today. It was sentimental for me to go with Marantz or Pioneer because that's what I had in the 70s. That said..if there was something that out-performs them being made today for the price they fetch today..I would sell them in a heartbeat. Just want what sounds best for my budget now. Interested in hearing more on this.

[@haroldwible5236]

I feel same about vintage cars. I used to own a 68 merc cougar and have always wanted another one,but it's ok because at this time in my life I wouldn't be able to give it the care it deserves. But at that high a price anyone who buys it is going to take care of it, and isn't that what we really want, because one day will come when that thing that your looking for will go back on the market,but will be in good condition and the seller probably care more about a good home than price.

[@alwayslearning8365]

Can you recommend a site where I can acquire a service manual for a Technics SA505?

[@OldGuyHifi]

Great video. I am not sure I would use vintage Hifi as an investment. Thanks my friend.

[@skylabsaudio]

Vintage guitars are going thru the same thing. Thanks Ed!

[@TC-ef9dh]

Collectors usually ruin any category for folks who are users if these items. It's happened with cars, guitars, audio, vinyl, whatever. Personally I liked to buy sell and trade but also use the stuff. That said there are lots of lower power receivers that sound amazing and aren't gonna break the bank to have one. Then again, I'm watching the Mecum auction and cars that brought over $100k years ago are selling for less than $20k today. Who knows what'll happen.

[@MickSupper]

I'm surprised that Denon isn't on your list because they made some mammoth sized turntables with very thick plinth bases. My dad was in competition with AR back in the 60s and so wish a pair of his speakers would pop up, but he was so small that it'd probably be impossible. I buy and sell mid-century modern furniture, and prices are crazy high at auction houses (and the auction houses charge at least 20% on top of that.), but I couldn't sell the same items in restored condition for near what they go for, so I'm struggling to shift my business to doing something else.

[@TorontoJon]

Heck, I'm glad I began buying used vintage stereo equipment in the late-90s to the early 2000s when prices on eBay were much more reasonable and when shipping costs were generally more reasonable too compared to now.

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

Same thing happened to some vintage cameras.

[@kerryedavis]

Fortunately, people/places like this channel have been pointing people towards things I never cared for, and I've been able to get what I think is much better, still for low prices!

[@johnsampson1096]

Purchased a Fisher 50c mono tube preamp for $5.00 in 1976 at a yard sale fully functional! They now fetch $1500 or so needing work and electronic restoration. Sorry it was lost in a move........................

[@Steve-w6k4b]

Another excellent video Kevin. I got in to vintage audio in 1991 and was hitting thrift stores, yard sales and estate sales weekly. These receiver could be picked up for next to nothing. People were absorbed in Surround Sound. Same goes for vinyl records. $1 each was the going price and you could get whole collections for .25 cents or less per record. I was obsessed with vintage stereo and vinyl. Constantly listening, upgrading and storing the rest in my garage. I was an active Audiokarma member, but the one sided political moderation drove me away and haven’t been back for over 10 years. Problem solved! :)

[@syfrettsj]

I'm out. In 2023 I managed to find a nice, working receiver (Technics) with wattage the same as a Technics integrated amp I had in college (late 1970s.) I cleaned out the interior and cleaned the pots and contacts, so it's a good unit...for now. Last year I worked a local barter deal to get a working Pioneer integrated amp and tuner, then turned around and had to put well over $600 into the pair to have them serviced up in the Atlanta area (3-hour drive for me), and I couldn't afford to have everything done that was recommended. The units are working, so I'm happy, but if I were to decide to sell them, I'll be lucky to break even on them. I've rebuilt 2 reel to reel tape decks with success, but nothing beyond mechanical as of yet. I have a 3rd deck that does have some electronics issues that I'm holding onto for now. I've tried rebuilding a couple of cassette tape decks, and neither will work correctly for long. And there's no way I'll spend good money to have someone else try to fix either of them. As for turntables, I have my original Pioneer PL-518 that still has issues, but I bought a good Technics unit locally from a friend that I've serviced and it's working like a champ. But I think I'm out of the game now. Vintage is nice, and I had mid-late 1970s "vintage" equipment back then, but old is old, and if you can't afford to have it rebuilt/serviced, it's just old stuff. What I've bought I use, so I don't consider myself a collector. I don't really have any interest in getting vintage speakers, unless I were to buy them from someone like Skylabs Audio, and there's just no options where I live. I think my nostalgia is over. My next purchases will be for new gear, with a warranty! P.S. I still plan to stay subscribed and keep watching the videos!

[@nintendoeats]

I saw one of those Panasonic cassette changers selling for ~600 dollars at a thrift store the other day. At a THRIFT STORE. As a great Australian once said, "he's dreamin'"

[@stephenross4333]

I got a job at Whataburger in the late 70's to buy my dream stereo from Pacific Stereo, a Pioneer SX1250 & Pair of Cerwin Vega HED speakers. The Cerwin Vega are gone, but I still have the Pioneer. I decided to move into McIntosh & Audio Research more recently. Should I sell the Pioneer???

[@saladsalad9991]

that technics sl-10 in box for $2,679 is pure insanity... those TT's are notorious for having an audible noise from the tonearm motor ESPECIALLY if you use subwoofer. Sounds like a thud every couple of seconds. And people went nuts over the 310MC cartridge, too. I used to buy SL-10 for like $50-$100 broken,, repair and flip them. It's a $400 turntable imo, in top flawless condition. Used to make the light blocking sheets for translucent vinyl playback, too, charged $30 bucks for paper circles and sold around 200 of them and then stopped cause I was making them by hand to order and it just wasn't fun.

[@robertmata4293]

A few weeks ago I found a 2245 for very little money I was going to sell it for $700 bucks but then I looked at what it would cost me to replace it I'm going to hang on to this one forever

[@trekOCLVone]

In 1979 I bought four huge RTR towers series III model F speakers. You don't see them anymore. I sold the four in 1991 for peanuts. I have tracked them down and I hope to get all four back. What a stroke of luck. I'm getting my whole vintage system that I sold off back one piece at a time. But just one system and not the floor to ceiling wall full of Pioneer and Marantz receivers, etc. that you see posted on the groups. It's an artificial shortage due to a small population scarfing up everything on Ebay and Market Place. Sure it's an investment created by a few hoarders.

[@gregbenefield7658]

The Ebay thing kinda raises questions 🤔

[@mikecampbell5856]

There are some great amps and receivers made today. They might sound as good or better than these vintage pieces, but the old gear has such personality and beauty that it's irresistible. I'm lucky, my son gave me a Marantz 2220b that he bought for almost nothing 10 years ago and he found me a mint Sansui 5050 for 75 bucks. Last year somebody gave my son a working Marantz 2285 with a black face for free. I guess we've been very lucky!

[@harrytrattner2287]

wow another great video brother, man i love you channel !! What a macintosh 4100 going for these days ??? Thanks again

[@stefanczechorskidds8435]

Keep in mind that ebay showing / asking price may not be what they are actually receiving. The actual (make offer) price or what they finally accept maybe , and usually is, much lower.

[@edley312]

If’s hard to see but if you look closely at the webpages he is showing, you will see that he used the filter that showed completed sales only.

[@aaronjones394]

I have a number of Marantz vintage cassette decks, and their prices are skyrocketing.

[@glenncurry3041]

Bizarrely expensive prices on some models that were actually not that highly regarded back in the day. e.g. I was a Marantz rep when the 6300 was introduced. Yes I sold many of them. But in the audiophile circles at the time it was not held in higher regard. Prices seem to be based more on what people today think people back then respected. While actually basing it on what was popular in the general market instead.

[@ronm7394]

I found a beautiful example of the 6300 in a thrift store about fifteen years ago for $10. While a decent table I found it clunky in its operation and sold it and a beautiful Marantz 2330b with a wood case (which I also found to be unremarkable) together for a fraction of what they bring today.The huge amounts of money I believe are being spent on looks and nostalgia.

[@robertdentel1775]

Before the pandemic I bought a Marantz 2230b for $37.00 on Ebay. I also bought a Pioneer SX 880 for $77.00.

[@jsb1964]

Do you ever see any Linn Sondek LP12 turntables in your store? What do you think of them? I saw them for the first time at a stereo shop back in 1986 in Dayton Ohio.

[@timcorner2821]

I have a Sansui Seven, but just yesterday I picked up a Hitachi SR-604 for 100 Canadian Dollars just out of curiosity. I have been amazed at the build and sound quality as well as power. I think we all need to start looking at some of these off brands that were made in the 70's. It won't replace my Sansui but it held it's own pretty well in a A/B test. Infact, it was a little better in the bass. The Sansui had an overall more refined sound to me, but for 100.00 the Hitachi is amazing

[@ScootieXP]

have a feeling that I've read your comment on some facebook group as well. ;)