We Buy Stereos, Cassette Tapes, and CDs

Cassette Tapes

We buy some cassette tapes, but we have to be fairly picky. Rap, Metal, Punk and other underground music on tape is good for us. Most popular artists and music styles are not valuable, though.

Compact Discs

We can purchase audiophile CDs and box sets if they are in super clean condition. We do buy some regular CDs as well but they have to be very clean and do not command much value.

Vintage Stereo Gear

We buy functional vintage amps, speakers, turntables, cassette decks and some other components. Brands like Marantz, McIntosh, Kenwood, Sansui and Pioneer are preferred. Most newer gear will not be useful for us.

We Buy Stereos, Turntables, Tapes and CDs

We Buy Records Milwaukee is primarily a vinyl record specialty shop. However we do buy certain CDs, cassettes and audio gear.

I’ll try to clarify a bit here on what types of tapes, CDs, and gear we buy - but if you have any questions you can always call Andy to see what he thinks! We like to make sure that no one wastes precious time or gas money carting items across town that will likely have no value.

Tapes / Cassettes

So with tapes we are mostly going to be looking for Heavy Metal, Rap, Punk or other more obscure genres of music. No mix tapes!

Popular rock, r&b and most jazz will also not typically have value. Tapes need to be in good general shape, and the insert card needs to be clean. The actual clear plastic cases can be cracked as we typically replace these anyways.

CDs / Compact Discs

Audiophile CDs and CD Boxsets will be the main types that will have value for us. Most standard CDs will not have much/any value for us. We can purchase standard rock, alternative, rap, and other styles of music on CD if the condition is Excellent inside and out, but the purchase offers will usually be very low as we sell these for $1-$2 each. The aforementioned audiophile and boxset CDs can command higher offers.

Stereos, Turntables, Speakers, and Tape Decks

We are mostly interested in 1970s and early 1980s higher-quality stereo equipment. Audiophile brands such as McIntosh, Marantz, Micro Seiki, Dual, and harmon/Kardon are great for us. All equipment should be functional to be considered. As there are so many brands, makes and models, I won’t list them here but usually what I ask folks to do is take some basic phone pictures of the equipment so I can see if it’s something we can use. I don’t want anyone carrying over heavy gear that has no value. If we do determine that your gear is something we are interested in, I can make a house call to come and buy it, no problem.

A Brief History of Audiophile Stereo Equipment in the USA

Audiophile stereo equipment is a term that refers to high-quality sound reproduction systems that aim to faithfully reproduce the original sound source. Audiophiles are enthusiasts who appreciate and pursue the best possible sound quality from their audio equipment. The history of audiophile stereo equipment in the USA can be traced back to the post-World War II era, when many veterans learned electronics and started building their own music systems. The hobby and business of high-end audio began to flourish in the 1950s and 1960s, as new technologies and innovations emerged in the audio industry.

## The 1950s: The Birth of Hi-Fi

In the 1950s, the term "high-fidelity" or "hi-fi" was coined to describe audio systems that had low distortion, wide frequency response, and high dynamic range. Hi-fi systems were composed of separate components, such as turntables, amplifiers, preamplifiers, tuners, and speakers, that could be mixed and matched according to the user's preference and budget. Some of the early pioneers of hi-fi audio equipment in the USA were McIntosh, Marantz, Fisher, H.H. Scott, and Harman Kardon. These companies produced high-quality tube amplifiers, preamplifiers, and tuners that delivered powerful and clear sound. Hi-fi speakers also improved in design and performance, with brands such as Klipsch, JBL, Altec Lansing, and Acoustic Research leading the way. Hi-fi enthusiasts enjoyed listening to vinyl records, which had superior sound quality than the previous formats of shellac and acetate discs.

## The 1960s: The Rise of Stereo

In the 1960s, stereo sound became the standard for audio reproduction, as it offered a more realistic and immersive soundstage than mono sound. Stereo sound was achieved by using two channels of audio, each with its own speaker, that created a sense of direction and depth in the sound. Stereo records, tapes, and FM radio broadcasts became widely available, and stereo equipment became more affordable and accessible to the mass market. Some of the most popular and influential stereo equipment in the 1960s were the receivers, which combined an amplifier, a preamplifier, and a tuner in one unit. Receivers were convenient, versatile, and powerful, and they became the centerpiece of many home audio systems. Some of the legendary receivers of the 1960s were the Marantz 2270, the Pioneer SX-1980, the Sansui G-22000, and the McIntosh MAC 1700. Stereo speakers also evolved in the 1960s, with brands such as AR, Advent, Bose, and KLH introducing new designs and technologies, such as acoustic suspension, direct/reflecting, and electrostatic speakers.

## The 1970s and 1980s: The Peak of Audio Innovation

The 1970s and 1980s were arguably the golden age of audio innovation, as new formats, technologies, and genres of music emerged and challenged the audio industry. Some of the major developments in the audio world in these decades were:

- The introduction of the compact cassette, which allowed users to record and play back music on portable devices, such as the Sony Walkman. Cassette tapes also enabled the rise of home taping and mixtapes, which gave users more control and creativity over their music collection.

- The emergence of digital audio, which revolutionized the audio industry with its superior sound quality, durability, and convenience. Digital audio formats, such as the compact disc (CD), the digital audio tape (DAT), and the digital compact cassette (DCC), offered higher fidelity, lower noise, and longer playing time than analog formats. Digital audio also paved the way for digital signal processing (DSP), which enabled various sound enhancements and effects, such as equalization, compression, reverb, and surround sound.

- The diversification of music genres, such as rock, pop, disco, punk, new wave, hip hop, and metal, which stimulated the demand and innovation of audio equipment. Different music genres required different audio characteristics, such as bass, treble, loudness, and clarity, and audio manufacturers responded by producing specialized and customized audio equipment for different music tastes and styles. Some examples of audio equipment that catered to specific music genres were the Cerwin-Vega speakers, which were known for their powerful bass and suited for rock and disco music, and the Technics SL-1200 turntable, which was the preferred choice of DJs and hip hop artists for its durability and pitch control.

## The Current Century: The Revival and Collectibility of Vintage Audio Equipment

In the current century, the audio industry has been dominated by digital and wireless technologies, such as MP3, streaming, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, which offer convenience, portability, and accessibility to music. However, there has also been a resurgence of interest and appreciation for vintage audio equipment, especially among audiophiles and music lovers who value the sound quality, craftsmanship, and nostalgia of the old-school audio gear. Vintage audio equipment has become highly collectible and sought-after, as many models are rare, discontinued, or have historical significance. Some of the factors that affect the collectibility and value of vintage audio equipment are:

- The brand and model of the equipment, as some brands and models have a reputation and legacy for their sound quality, design, and performance. Some of the most coveted and respected brands and models in the vintage audio market are McIntosh, Marantz, Pioneer, Sansui, JBL, Klipsch, and Quad.

- The condition and functionality of the equipment, as vintage audio equipment is prone to wear and tear, damage, and deterioration over time. Vintage audio equipment that is in mint or near-mint condition, with all the original parts, accessories, and packaging, is rare and valuable. Vintage audio equipment that is in working order, or can be easily repaired or restored, is also desirable and valuable.

- The rarity and demand of the equipment, as some vintage audio equipment is scarce and hard to find, either because of limited production, high popularity, or historical significance. Vintage audio equipment that is rare and in high demand can fetch high prices and attract collectors and enthusiasts. Some examples of rare and sought-after vintage audio equipment are the Western Electric 300B tube amplifier, the Marantz 10B tuner, and the JBL Paragon speaker.

Vintage audio equipment is not only a hobby and passion for many audiophiles and music lovers, but also a form of investment and art. Vintage audio equipment can offer a unique and satisfying listening experience, as well as a sense of history and nostalgia, that modern audio equipment cannot replicate. Vintage audio equipment can also appreciate in value over time, as well as serve as a decorative and aesthetic element in one's home or studio. Vintage audio equipment is a testament to the rich and diverse history of audiophile stereo equipment in the USA, and its enduring appeal and relevance in the current century.