[Hallicrafters] SX-115 on Ebay?

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On 11/27/06, David C. Hallam <dhallam at rapidsys.com> wrote:
> Sometimes I wonder about the wisdom of investment in ham gear.

I think you're right on the money, David. Many are seeing now that it
wasn't a great idea, and it's only going to get worse. Prices are down
considerably from just a few years ago, even on epay.

When you bought your gear, you did so to use it, not make more money
from it. As long as you get/got enjoyment from your time using it and
it lived up to your expectations, you didn't go wrong.

More than a few folks hopped onto the 'investor' band wagon when they
saw prices going through the roof 5-6 years back. This is why you see
gear being offered for sale at higher than typical prices, or listed
with high reserves or 'buy it now' prices more and more. If you're in
it for the money, you need to get your money back and more to make it
work.

The math just isn't there to support it. Given the entire buying
population, a minute sliver are even remotely interested in radio in
general. Even fewer in old tube gear. Many of them are getting up
there in age, retiring from the hobby much faster than they will ever
be replaced. It won't be long before the market starts to get flooded,
the buyers aren't there to support it, and stuff goes to the junkyard
by the ton, much greater than today.

There will probably always be some market for rare, odd, or low
production units to collectors. As the numbers of interested parties
shrink, so will the prices. Just look at the classic car market today.
Beautiful cars from the 20s/30s/40s go begging for the most part,
while 50s-60s-70s iron and muscle cars bring huge money.

I think the guys who had this stuff stacked in their basements from
the 50s and 60s when it was made, then sold it when the feeding frenzy
started, were the smart ones. They didn't want the stuff, and got
money instead of paying to dump it.

Which gets back to why we want something. I've always felt that using
it as designed is where the fun is. If it ends up being worth money
too, great. Chances are pretty good that it won't be for sale anyway.

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ