Stereo resale value varies wildly.  From vintage McIntosh tube amplifiers from 60 years ago, that might be worth two thousand dollars or more, to modern A/V equipment that the sale of which would barely cover your lunch.  There was a massive sea change around 1980 that changed way mainstream home audio was made. Build quality went down in order to keep prices down during the economic downturn of that time.  Generally, components made after 1980 have a much more modest value.  There are exceptions of course.  

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If you'd like to see if we are interested in purchasing your gear, send us a message.  

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Selling To a Reseller 

 

A reseller (Austin Stereo for example) expects to not only make a profit, but has to account for service expenses, and other costs, taking time to show the equipment, retail space taken up, and other costs. This means you can't expect to get the going retail price in exchange for your equipment.  

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We buy select stereo receivers, amplifiers, speakers, and turntables from 1957 through about 1980.  The good news is that we don't even expect the amplifiers, receivers, and turntables to work.  We're going to put them through our restoration process anyway.  They just needs to be in reasonably physical shape and complete.  Missing knobs, bent faceplate corners, engraved identification, hazy dust covers, will all reduce greatly what we can offer.  Speakers should be in good physical condition with no serious issues. 

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Getting the most money for your stereo equipment

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Just as with a used car, if you intend to get the most money, you will need to sell your equipment to an individual.  If you chose to sell directly, you'll need to do a little homework.  You'll of course need some idea of what to ask.  checking sold listings on eBay are probably the easiest guideline to use.  Don't confuse this with asking prices.  All too often, these are unreasonably high.  Instead, search for your make and model, choose "sold listings" from the filter selections.  

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You can also check up to five items for free in the Audio Bluebook. An alternative Bluebook is located here At Audiogon.  Once you have a price, the options are many.  Craigslist and eBay of course, but there are other options like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Audiogon, and US Audio Mart.  If you have a Facebook account, Marketplace is the easiest option, and well suited to local sales.  

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Ebay has a bit of a learning curve, and is not something we suggest for first timers.  You'll pay a fee of around 12 to 15%, but in return, your gear will be placed in front of many times the potential buyers, and often sell much more quickly that any other method.  You'll of course need to pack and ship your equipment, which is a bit of a challenge, especially for heavier amplifiers and receivers.  A sample packing method is here.  

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Take some good pictures

Some basics to make your stuff look better than others.  First, turn off your camera flash!  No direct sunlight.  Indirect light from a window is best.  Second, turn your phone or camera sideways.  Take at least shots from three angles.  No too far away, and don't let the edge of the frame cut off part of the equipment.  Here are some examples:

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Contact us.

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