Help- audiophile husband just dies

Julie, 

I am sincerely sorry for your loss. My best advice is not to do anything in a hurry. When you feel up to it, record the brands and model numbers for future reference. Take some time to contact some of the people named above. Albert Portis, or Larry Edwards would probably be a good place to start. Although we have no way of knowing what equipment is in your collection, it could be valuable.

Above all, resist the temptation to have well-meaning audiophiles hurry to your home to evaluate what you have. Get a few quotes so that you can decide who, or which method, will bring you the highest return. It may be that the best method will be auction. If possible, try to contact one of you husband's audiophile friends (assuming he had some). Just remember the old adage: Decide in haste, repent at leisure. Best of luck in whatever you decide!

I don't really get the warnings about accepting help from local audiophiles.

Sure, be on the lookout for grifters, but getting a full list of items is useful. They'll give an estimate of value and Julie can have Tammy @ audiogon look up the average resale price of each item to get another opinion. Then it's just a question of how quickly she wants to sell. If not in a hurry, posting online and waiting for offers will maximize profit. If in a hurry, selling everything to a dealer will do.

Regardless, getting the list and then average resale will allow all offers to be considered for fairness and she will not be taken advantage of.

Julie,

I would suggest contacting Proxibid to get a list of participating auction services in your area. I have bought thousands of dollars worth of audio gear and associated from Proxibid without any problems. In each case the auction service shipped me the items. My guess is that they would come to your house, get details about the equipment, take photos and do all of the listing. I hope this helps.

Dear please don’t be in a hurry to sell do your research first. Your husband’s equipment will sell. I’m so sorry for your loss. My love of this forum has gone to a new level of respect and their kindness is a wonderful thing to see. You are blessed.

Julie

Hello from New Zealand.  I have a perspective for you to consider.  We audio nuts love our gear and it is important to us.  When it comes time to sell - in this case you - it would would be nice if the gear goes to a good home.  I deal with residential property as a profession and hi-fi as a hobby.  What I find not only with myself but for vendors of a much loved home it is important that the property being sold goes to a good home.  I think it is likely that your ex would like his hi-fi gear to go to a home where it would be appreciated.