If It's Rare It Must Be Valuable: Vintage Hifi Myths

Collecting (and repairing) vintage hifi has its own set of myths.  I recall a line from a Tom Hanks move “…It is certainly not true but it feels true…” that seems to capture some of the myths I hear from clients.  So, in the interest of un here is a list of myths I have heard and my perspective in the underlying truth.

• This “insert your obscure brand” is rare and must be valuable:  This myth that associates rarity with value is truly pervasive.  While it is true some rare (iconic) models can drive great value it is my experience obscure brands do not drive high market value.  As an example Phase Linear produced the revolutionary for its time high power amps in the 70’s based designed by Bob Carver.They look great, sound wonderful but don’t drive the value of comparable performing Marantz, Pioneer, and Sansui amplifiers.  I believe the difference is the broad market brand recognition compared to the nice held by Phase Linear.  If you are looking for value some of the best bargains can be found in the niche brands.

• Solid state is more reliable than tube gear:  I think this myth arises from the marketing hype of electronics in the late 60’s when transistors were the way to sell more consumer electronics.  As with most myths there is an element of truth but also a bit overstated when electronics of any sort approach 50+ years of age.  Solid state and tube gear use many passive components - resistors and capacitor - that age and fail.  It is my observation a fifty year old hifi component has the same age related issues regardless if it is tube or solid state.

• My grand parents console stereo must be worth a lot of money:  Likely no.  Mid century modern (MCM) furniture is quite popular today and quality stereo consoles from respected brands with quality cabinets are in demand.  The problem is it is highly dependent on the style rather than the quality of the electronics.  If your grand parents had a colonial styled console the value is a fraction of a Drexel MCM example.  The reality is most stereo consoles are only valuable for parts if they are tube based.

• My stereo system has been in storage for twenty years and worked perfectly when I put in the attic/barn and should work perfectly:  Electronics don’t appreciate environmental extremes.  Extreme heat (and cold) combined with high humidity will destroy the best hifi components.  Barn storage is the worst as critters love to make homes and destroy the wiring in electronics.

• I expect to recover my money when I sell my modern stereo system:  This myth hurts me personally as it should be wrong but feels right.  My experience is anything purchased in the prior twenty years has seen steep depreciation.  I love modern gear and in every case it has been a poor investment.  Modern speakers are particularly problematic as they may be superior in performance to 50 year old comparable examples.

• Big speakers improve the sound:  Again I see some truth to this myth.  Vintage large speakers (AR, KLH, and Advent) were designed to provide full range reproduction for the time prior to the introduction of subwoofers.  Today with subwoofers much smaller speakers can deliver exceptional performance.  Style comes into to play to a greater extent today and smaller sized speakers are a very viable alternative to large speakers.

• Repairs are simple:  I see this one a lot on the social media sites listing stereo systems for sale.  Something to the effect “…minor issues and simple repair required…”.  If the repair was simple then why did the seller not do it?  For an experience repair technician it is very difficult to not spend at least one hour on a “simple” repair.  As technicians are in short supply that simple repair will add up quickly.

By Tim White