Several Questions

[Charles]

It's no secret that I am considering a XLF. It's a big decision and not one lightly made. Here are questions. I may have more:

1) In 10-15 years assuming I keep the speaker in perfect shape, when I get too old to hear, what will be the reasonable amount I could receive for the speaker. My guess would be 15-25 thousand per speaker but it could be a lot less or more.

2) When does a speaker become vintage? What does it mean for a speaker to be vintage? How old does it have to be? How does it affect the price?

3) Is there a possibility I could receive nothing for the speaker (total write off)? What really would the market be for a 650 lb goliath that is 10-15 years old?

None of this would keep me from purchasing the XLF but I think if you plan on keeping it for a long time as I would eventual resale is an important consideration. At least I want to go into the purchase with my eyes wide open without naively thinking I could ever sell the speaker. One of the ways to justify the enormous expense its that it would definitely be my last speaker. Every time you change speakers you lose a lot of money. But I think I should consider the XLF a total loss from the get go. If I can't afford to lose the money without strain, then don't do it.

[GaryProtein]

Once you buy it, consider the money a total loss.

What you'll get selling it in 10-15 years won't be worth your worry if you are in the position to make the purchase in the first place. It is also doubtful that it will be a current model.

Whatever you get selling it is gravy.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by GaryProtein

Once you buy it, consider the money a total loss.

What you'll get selling it in 10-15 years won't be worth your worry if you are in the position to make the purchase in the first place. It is also doubtful that it will be a current model.

Whatever you get selling it is gravy.

Do you consider your Infinity IRS that way. I think they'd bring a lot of money? Not that I don't agree with you. I have no opinion about the market for monster speakers. But the XLF is very compact. Did you know it comes with the option of a Thor spike which bring it to within 31/2" of the spiked Maxx3. The Thor spike is 11/2" at minimum height. Works just as well. Thanks for the comment.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Charles

It's no secret that I am considering a XLF. It's a big decision and not one lightly made.

One of the ways to justify the enormous expense is that it would definitely be my last speaker.

Charles.......If the Wilson XLF will be your last speaker, then the possibility of ever selling it is a moot point, consequently it doesn't matter what it will be worth at some time in the future. If it's your last pair of speakers, they will be inherited by a person of your choice, right? Under those circumstances, who cares how much the XLF's will be worth at that time.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Charles.......If the Wilson XLF will be your last speaker, then the possibility of ever selling it is a moot point, consequently it doesn't matter what it will be worth at some time in the future. If it's your last pair of speakers, they will be inherited by a person of your choice, right? Under those circumstances, who cares how much the XLF's will be worth at that time.

Dan, thanks for the comment. No actually at about age 80 if I make if that far I may move to something much smaller. Just may get tired of taking care of everything. No more room for the XLF. Also, when you can't hear what's the point. Right now my hearing is excellent but things change. You have excellent knowledge about vintage equipment. When does a piece pass from "last years model" to vintage and what does this mean for the price? Do you think a vintage XLF would have any value?

[Still-One]

You have to hold onto most product a long time before the resale value approaches or passes your initial investment. Even then very few speakers or componentz will see demand continue going forward.

You shouldn't look at audio gear as an investment that is going to appreciate over time. As Gary indicated consider them sunk costs.

This is also a good reason to work with a dealer who you believe will be in business when it is time to trade in your speakers for something smaller. Let him worry about getting them crated and out of your home.

Also remember the more expensive and larger the speaker the fewer buyers are going to be out there.

[GaryProtein]

Originally Posted by Charles

Do you consider your Infinity IRS that way. I think they'd bring a lot of money? Not that I don't agree with you. I have no opinion about the market for monster speakers. But the XLF is very compact. Did you know it comes with the option of a Thor spike which bring it to within 31/2" of the spiked Maxx3. The Thor spike is 11/2" at minimum height. Works just as well. Thanks for the comment.

I don't exactly think of the money as a total loss because I get a lot of pleasure out of it, but I figured I would not get back what I paid if I sold it. Stereo equipment is like art and cars. You buy it because you like it, not because of what you think it might appreciate to or if it will even hold its value. Cars and stereo equipment are known to lose tremendous value once they leave the dealer.

Like Jim said, if the XLF is your last speaker, selling it is a moot point except for your descendants who might enjoy having it themselves-and I'm sure they would appreciate the gift. Even if your hearing were to falter, would you really sell it? Plenty of people with imperfect hearing still love going to the Philharmonic or The Met.

If you can afford it and it gives you pleasure, you should buy it. I wouldn't worry about how much you can get for it a decade or two into the future after you have spent years enjoying it.

[htradtk]

I was always taught, if you want something and you can afford it, go for it! If I could afford something like the XLF, this would be my speaker for life. Yes, there will be upgrades, that will never stop. With a speaker that complex, the upgrades will be such a little difference, would it be worth shipping them back to the factory.

Henry

[JiveTurkey]

Charles.

As you know I own XLF's. At age eighty, spend the money and enjoy the sound. You've spent nigh on a century worrying about tomorrow, it's time to enjoy today.

I am less than half your age, I have a right atrial aneurysm, and a few other health joys despite being a very active vegan who avoids pills and reads the ingredients on everything, not just food. I don't spend time worrying about tomorrow anymore, but I enjoy my audio every day.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by JiveTurkey

Charles.

As you know I own XLF's. At age eighty, spend the money and enjoy the sound. You've spent nigh on a century worrying about tomorrow, it's time to enjoy today.

I am less than half your age, I have a right atrial aneurysm, and a few other health joys despite being a very active vegan who avoids pills and reads the ingredients on everything, not just food. I don't spend time worrying about tomorrow anymore, but I enjoy my audio every day.

HUGE +1