View Full Version : A question about selling hi-ish end kit.
My father recently died.
His main interest in recent years was his hifi, and he was constantly tinkering with it and spent a fair bit on it. I've not uncovered any receipts - which were probably burned at the time to stop them falling into my mother's hands! - but I've done some www research and have a very rough idea of what it's worth though it's hard to find precise comparisons.
Question is whether I should sell it here, piece by piece, or take it along to one of the 2nd hand hifi dealers (no, not cash converters) to get rid in one go. Any hints on likely sale prices here, and the discount if I took it as a bundle to a shop, also appreciated.
It's of no real interest to me, nor my mother. My music is consumed from CDs/mp3s and I'm not going to get back into vinyl. Even if I did, the cost of this stuff would be wasted on my ears, and the cash will make a bit of difference to my mother.
Specifically;
- Linn Sondek LP12
- Linn Ittok LV II
- Ortofon Cadenza red
- ANT Kora 3T phono preamp
- taga vertexaq distribution block
- 4x Nordost power cables (approx 36, 38, 90 & 94 cm long)
- Quad 909
(I probably will keep the speakers and CD player - AE1s and Marantz KI Pearl Lite)
Thanks.
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Bigman80
23-06-2017, 15:17
Sorry for your loss, Tony.
I would avoid dealers and ebay if I were you. Too many fee's and rip off merchants.
There are always other selling site's such as Gumtree, Preloved, HiFi for sale.com and of course the best place ive found, right here in the Private Exhibitions area.
You have some very nice pieces there and my personal advice is to split everything and sell it all separately.
Good luck with your sales
Oliver
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
I would avoid dealers and ebay if I were you. Too many fee's and rip off merchants.
I should have said - no way would I go near evilBay!
Bigman80
23-06-2017, 15:28
I should have said - no way would I go near evilBay!
Ha!
Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk
My father recently died.
His main interest in recent years was his hifi, and he was constantly tinkering with it and spent a fair bit on it. I've not uncovered any receipts - which were probably burned at the time to stop them falling into my mother's hands! - but I've done some www research and have a very rough idea of what it's worth though it's hard to find precise comparisons.
Question is whether I should sell it here, piece by piece, or take it along to one of the 2nd hand hifi dealers (no, not cash converters) to get rid in one go. Any hints on likely sale prices here, and the discount if I took it as a bundle to a shop, also appreciated.
It's of no real interest to me, nor my mother. My music is consumed from CDs/mp3s and I'm not going to get back into vinyl. Even if I did, the cost of this stuff would be wasted on my ears, and the cash will make a bit of difference to my mother.
Specifically;
- Linn Sondek LP12
- Linn Ittok LV II
- Ortofon Cadenza red
- ANT Kora 3T phono preamp
- taga vertexaq distribution block
- 4x Nordost power cables (approx 36, 38, 90 & 94 cm long)
- Quad 909
(I probably will keep the speakers and CD player - AE1s and Marantz KI Pearl Lite)
Very sorry to hear, but his last years were no doubt very enjoyable, music-wise.
Good idea to keep the speakers and CD player.
The Quad 909 is an easy sell - £550, possibly £500 for a quick sale. However, if you have any interest in audio, you might want to keep what is probably one of the best value amplifiers ever made. They should be serviced every 10 years. Call Rob Flain at Quad and he will tell you if and when it was serviced. Costs under £100.
LP12's seem to be constant sellers. It might be worth calling a reputable dealer (e.g. Cymbiosis) to get a valuation, which I would hope they will give in the circumstances.
Before selling the cartridge, you may want to get an inspection certificate as to condition from North West Analogue or Expert Stylus.
You may get a buyer for the distribution block and phono amp here, less likely the cables.
I sold cables to a dealer - Elite Audio, who are part of retailer Audio Emotion in Scotland - they are really genuine people and will give you a sensible price without trying to rip you off. I would avoid selling to any other dealer.
Check if there is a box for the LP12 which may help with its value. Seek advice before packing/transporting the deck.
I'm inclined to agree with Oliver.
Selling it as a whole via a dealer would be a lot more straightforward, but you will not get the best price, since the dealer would need to make his profit. Selling it item-by-item will take longer, possibly much longer, will require more effort (such as providing several good, clear, photographs for each item, as well as providing a full description), but will allow you to maximise the value of your late father's system.
As for suggested prices, we would need to know the build level of the Linn LP12 (has it had aftermarket upgrades done on it), whether the Ittok arm is an early or a later version (as revealed by the serial number) and how many hours play the cartridge has done. As for the rest, an idea can be obtained by looking to see how much similar items have fetched on iternet auction sites (as mentined by Oliver), reducing the price by say 25% to make the sale look attractive.
This is not the definitive answer you were probably looking for, but the choice comes down to one of either maximising expediency, or of maximising value.
Check if there is a box for the LP12 which may help with its value. Seek advice before packing/transporting the deck.
Yes, box for the Linn in the loft. I'd be very wary about packing/shipping it though!
MikeMusic
23-06-2017, 16:14
Sorry to hear about your dad
Here should be the best place to sell Tony.
Ebay good for price checks.
I have been told that an LP12 will fetch more if dismantled and separate parts sold individually
As for suggested prices, we would need to know the build level of the Linn LP12 (has it had aftermarket upgrades done on it)
The person who'd know that isn't talking anymore ...
how many hours play the cartridge has done.
And ditto.
:(
I'm just going to have to assume that the turntable is standard, and if there are any hidden extras in it, then it'll be lucky for the buyer!
Thanks @SLS for the comments too. I did wonder about keeping the Quad 909 too - but thought it might be a little out of place next to my slightly more modern Marantz PM6005. And £500 would probably keep my old mum in teabags for the best part of a month!
Bigman80
23-06-2017, 16:17
Sorry to hear about your dad
Here should be the best place to sell Tony.
Ebay good for price checks.
I have been told that an LP12 will fetch more if dismantled and separate parts sold individually
Just remember that everything on ebay is marked up by 12.5% to cover fees. Whatever it costs on ebay, deduct 12.5% for a private sale.
Ive sold loads of stuff and this has been my method.
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I,d try selling tt first as you can prove it works with the rest of system there. Once that is gone then the rest. Although u have box i would sell pickup only. Lp12's still do decent money .
Yes, box for the Linn in the loft. I'd be very wary about packing/shipping it though!
If the box has all the internal packing then it will assist with transporting it. Usually the outer platter should be taken off and packed under the bass of the deck. The inner platter should also be removed and the centre well capped. Also the tonearm counter weight should be taken off the tonearm.
Thanks @SLS for the comments too. I did wonder about keeping the Quad 909 too - but thought it might be a little out of place next to my slightly more modern Marantz PM6005. And £500 would probably keep my old mum in teabags for the best part of a month!
The AE1's have a good reputation, but at 86db would struggle with the 45w PM6005. The 140w Quad will drive them much better. Really depends on your needs. I'd give your mum the £500 and keep the Quad!
Bigman80
23-06-2017, 16:53
Just an idea, why not post detailed pics of all of the items and im sure you'll get some very good information from the members here.
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Simon_LDT
23-06-2017, 17:03
If you're willing to put a bit of effort in, you could make much more money selling via forums or gumtree. Try to avoid ebay.
For something like the LP12 you could offer it as a complete deck for a certain price or take off the tonearm and sell it separately. With an item like the LP12 where it can be upgraded in pretty much everyway, there are people out there that may just want the deck and there are always those that are looking to upgrade tonearm. I would also take off the cartridge and sell it separately. Of course, also offer the whole thing for a set price as there may be someone that will buy it as a complete deck.
If you have the original box and packing, shipping will be fine (but collection is always preferred of course). Just make sure the outer platter is removed, the bearing well is sealed using a ''cap'' and that there is a piece of styrene placed just under the inner platter (this is to secure the suspension in place). If you do end up shipping it, I'm happy to help with any packing queries you may have (I sold my LP12 last year and used original packaging to successfully ship it).
Spectral Morn
23-06-2017, 17:42
Sorry for your loss Tony :(
I'd avoid the hassle by selling the deck to a dealer. He will be selling it on to someone who will pay more to buy it from a dealer than a private sale so although you won't make as much as you might in a private sale the difference won't be as big as you might think. Plus if the dealer is looking at buying it he will check the cartridge and see how worn the tip is for free, something he would usually charge for. If you don't know how many miles are on it then it will be hard to sell it for any serious money, if at all.
If you are keeping the AE1 I agree with the suggestion of keeping the Quad to drive them. Or at least try it out to see if it is better than the Marantz with the AE1. If it is then sell your Marantz instead.
The cables will sell on here if you ask a bargain price, are happy to post them, and don't forget to bump your ad a couple of times a week.
Iso although you won't make as much as you might in a private sale the difference won't be as big as you might think.
That's an interesting perspective. Makes sense too, if only as a fall back option.
I guess the values are c£800 for the deck alone, £600 for the arm and £400 for the cartridge? Is that in the ballpark?
Really sorry to hear of your loss Tony. Judging from the kit your dad had he was a man of taste.
Fully agree that forums such as this is the best route to try sell hi end stuff. Mind you I have have at times noticed some sellers put things on **ay at silly extreme buy it now prices and seemingly sell their items.
With the risk of appearing vulturish I may be interested in the block and cables. Establish a price and pop me a message - maybe we can have a sale? But appreciate you may wish to a different route.
regards
Edward
With the risk of appearing vulturish
Not at all vulturish @Edwardlon.
We want to sell the stuff as it's of no interest/use to my mum or me, but I've no expertise in hifi, so looking for comments / suggestions / interest from the more knowledgeable here - its why I joined up originally.
Unfortunately, some of it seems pretty esoteric stuff though and it doesn't appear on evilBay too often to give me a price guide. I don't want to give it away, but don't want to be completely daft on pricing either! In the world I know (guitars), s/h prices can be anything from 25%-125% of RRP depending on the brandname (fashion), availability (fashion) and fashion.
Unfortunately, some of it seems pretty esoteric stuff though and it doesn't appear on evilBay too often to give me a price guide. I don't want to give it away, but don't want to be completely daft on pricing either! In the world I know (guitars), s/h prices can be anything from 25%-125% of RRP depending on the brandname (fashion), availability (fashion) and fashion.
One reference point for prices I use is HiFi Shark (https://www.hifishark.com/). This often gives a good idea of what items are going for (or have gone for - look under sold/expired listings).
I'm probably not doing myself a favour here as you may come up with a price for the block and cables way beyond what my wife would find acceptable. :eyebrows:
E
Thanks @Edwardlon, that looks like a useful link.
If it's any consolation, I think he spent way beyond what his wife would have found acceptable if she'd ever found out
;)
And that's one of the reasons that I'm staying well away from the hifi hobby (obsession) and just sticking with kit that sounds good enough.
Although, if I just upgraded the .....
That's an interesting perspective. Makes sense too, if only as a fall back option.
I guess the values are c£800 for the deck alone, £600 for the arm and £400 for the cartridge? Is that in the ballpark?
The decks can vary widely depending on build and age. I think the power switch has a green and red led so not sure if this deck has a separate power supply or just plugs into the mains which would make a difference. Ittok arms usually go for between £500 and £600 on ebay but the condition is a factor.
If you try to sell the cartridge separately then be aware the normal advice for Ittok's is to take the arm off the deck before removing the cartridge.
100% agree with that , selling on fleabay is not an experience I'd recommend to anyone.
The person who'd know that isn't talking anymore ...
And ditto.
:(
I'm just going to have to assume that the turntable is standard, and if there are any hidden extras in it, then it'll be lucky for the buyer!
Thanks @SLS for the comments too. I did wonder about keeping the Quad 909 too - but thought it might be a little out of place next to my slightly more modern Marantz PM6005. And £500 would probably keep my old mum in teabags for the best part of a month!
I've recently sold quite a lot of hifi equipment through my dealer, Moorgate Acoustics. He managed to sell a Linn Sondek with Naim Aro and Troika cartridge for far more than I paid for them in the early 1990s. I also sold Naim SBLs and active Naim 250s with Naxo and a '72 pre. He estimated £4,500, but achieved over £6,000. Worth giving Paul Hobson a call. He will be honest and won't rip you off.
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hifinutt
04-07-2017, 01:24
yes , he is a great dealer and very well known. on my last visit to that lovely city of sheffield i popped in and heard a few things , namely dynaudio c1 and 802d . he was very active for years on the cyrus forum
Quick update, and an opportunity to say "thanks to all" for the various PMs and advice/comments/questions.
I was hoping to get back up to Cheshire (where all the kit is) this week to take better photos, look for serial numbers, take measurements (etc) and then get a few FS threads started for the various bits of kit.
Unfortunately I've not had the time for the trip and certainly won't have the time next week either, so it'll be a couple of weeks before the FS threads appear. But appear they will (eventually!) here.
I'll probably be selling the TT, arm & cartridge as a complete unit and accept that I'll probably not maximise the value by doing it that way, but - tbh - I'd rather deal with one sale than three and also avoid the risk of damaging any of it if the hammer slips whilst I'm disassembling it.
Thanks again all!
:)
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