[Hallicrafters] Speaker values

[Todd, KA1KAQ]

On 2/6/07, W4AWM at aol.com <W4AWM at aol.com> wrote:
> There are presently two R-46Bs at auction with starting prices below what I
> had mentioned. There are two others where the auctions were completed that went
> for $113. and $43. each.  I think this averages out at about wher I said.
> Don't forget, too, that these are auction prices and you have to figure bidding
> wars and last minute "gotta have thats."

As well, the term 'value' has different meanings to different people,
not unlike the severely flogged and misused "mint condition".

The biggest mistake folks make today (in my opinion, mind you) is to
shop online and take the high prices they see as *the* market value.
Deals can be found on ebay, but for the most part it is more of a high
water mark. Hamfests, classifieds, many other venues produce lower,
more everyday prices. The opposite extremes are yard sales and flea
markets where things show up for peanuts, like the $35 Collins S-Line
a friend missed up in Maine a few years back. Just down the road from
where he lived, too.

At the end of the day, it really gets down to what you want: a
collector's piece to impress others with, or a decent,
less-than-perfect working speaker in original, respectable condition.
You can always get cabinets repainted, grills reflocked, even speakers
reconed. Like the collector piece, is just a matter of how much you
want to spend vs how badly you *need* it.

I'd guess $40-$75 for a reasonably good, original speaker and cabinet.
R-42s tend to bring a bit more, but do sound nice. As long as the
front panel or 'face' is reasonably clean, I don't worry too much
about a few scratches and scuffs. Just shows that the old gear earned
its keep at some point.

~ Todd,  KA1KAQ