There are a few places you can go to sell your car audio equipment locally. These are usually junkyards or local pawn shops. They are going to be interested in brands, models and of course quality.
Tint World(R) provides automotive audio systems and video upgrades in Riverhead, NY. They offer high-quality head units, speakers and subwoofers.
Craigslist and Ebay
While it may seem like a back-alley drug deal, Craigslist can be a great place to sell high-end stereo equipment that is difficult or expensive to ship. Its local focus also makes it an ideal option for selling large items like furniture. However, for higher-end gear you might have better luck on eBay. Unfortunately, both Craigslist and eBay have a lot of sellers who run repeated, huge advertisements that only serve to clutter up searches. And some sellers simply lie about the condition of their gear, especially when it comes to consumer electronics (such as the many fake Oppo and Audioquest brands).
For example, my friend once found a Meridian CD player and Tascam reel-to-reel tape deck gingerly sitting on the curb with no explanation—both in working order! That’s why I always ask, “Does it work?” and take nothing for granted. If you don’t trust a seller’s word or can’t test out a piece of equipment yourself, buy from an expert who will give you a warranty.
Online marketplaces like Craigslist and eBay are good for selling lower- or mid-quality stereo components, and they often offer free pickups at buyers’ homes. If you’re selling an entire system, though, you’ll want to invest in a good set of professional photographs and a thorough description of each component. You’ll likely have to haggle with some buyers, too, so have your best price in mind before you start. And always follow online sales safety tips, such as using a Craigslist-provided proxy email address and meeting in public.
Other online sites specialize in selling used and vintage stereo equipment. These sites typically offer detailed descriptions and photos, but don’t necessarily offer free shipping. Some of these sites have additional resources that can help you determine the value of your stereo equipment, including owner’s manuals and service information. Check out StereoBuyers, Oak Tree Enterprises, and Audio Classics for examples.
If you have older car audio gear lying around that you’re ready to put into cash, a pawn shop can be a good option. For example, 1st United Pawn in Phoenix specializes in buying stereo equipment and will put cash in your hand fast. The shop will assess your equipment, make a fair offer, and count the money. It’s important to shop around, as some pawn shops will pay more for certain pieces of equipment than others.
Online Audio Buyers
Upgrading your car audio system is a great way to make it more enjoyable to drive. It’s not uncommon to have to swap out speakers and amplifiers from time to time as you build a better and more powerful system. When that happens, you want to be sure you get the best possible price for your used components.
Online car audio buyers can be a great place to find the equipment you’re looking for. They can offer you a much larger selection than what you’d find in a traditional store, and often times you can save money by buying online. However, you should always use good common sense when dealing with strangers and never meet a buyer alone. If you do decide to buy from an online site, follow the recommended practices of using a proxy email and meeting in a public location.
A local dealer can be a great source for high-end stereo equipment. They can offer you a wide variety of brands and can provide helpful advice on installation and custom fabrication. They’ll also be able to answer any questions you might have about warranty and return policies. However, they are going to cost more than a chain store and may be less willing to do a trade-up program with you.
Some pieces of equipment are more likely to fail than others. This is especially true for speakers and amps, but also applies to crossovers and equalizers. This is because they’re constantly moving and can be damaged or worn down over time. For this reason, you might want to look for a used component with a solid reputation and one that’s known for its durability.
The best places to sell used stereo equipment locally are small shops and independent installers. These dealers are typically more knowledgeable than chains and can give you real-world experience when it comes to installing and maintaining your system. They can also solve problems that might not be easily solved with a do-it-yourself guide or video on YouTube.
Some dealers even offer a one-year parts and labor warranty on the equipment they sell, and some offer free repair service for their products. 1st United Pawn is one of these dealers and will buy your used stereo components for cash.
Pawn Shops
If you want to get the most money for your stereo equipment then a pawn shop is the place. They are a great alternative to Craigslist and Ebay for selling used car audio equipment. However, you need to know that they are going to want a reputable brand and the equipment better work. They will also be looking at wattage and power levels as well as the brand of the speakers.
A home stereo system can use a powerful amplifier to boost its audio performance. This will help to deliver crisp sound quality and deeper bass. There are many different types of amps available on the market. Some are designed to be integrated into a specific stereo, while others are standalone devices that can be connected to any stereo.
When you sell a home or car audio speaker at a pawn shop, you need to make sure that it is in good working condition. If the amplifier has a lot of wear and tear or if it is damaged in any way, then it will not be worth very much. Similarly, the speaker must not have any major issues such as worn off buttons or interfaces that are cracked.
It is important to check the pawn shops in your area to find out which ones offer the best deals. Some are known to pay more than other pawn shops for certain brands of audio equipment. You can compare prices online by visiting websites such as Larryssuperpawn and Xtremepawn.
Some pawnshops may have a specific niche, for example, they may only buy certain types of car radios. For example, if you have a Mercedes stereo that needs special adapter plates and computer integration parts then you will get more for it at a pawnshop that specializes in Mercedes gear rather than a general junkyard.
Another option is to take your equipment to an auto salvage yard. These places will be interested in buying your stereo if it is in good condition. They are going to be looking at things such as wattage and power, so you will probably not get the best price. However, it is a quick and easy option for getting some cash for your stereo.
Local Dealers
One of the best places to get a used car audio upgrade is to visit a local dealer. These businesses offer a wider selection of products and can help you find exactly what you need. They can also help you install the system. They have a trained staff that can help you make the right decision.
Tint World(r) in Riverhead, New York offers a variety of options for your vehicle, including headrest video screens to keep the kids entertained. They can also install a new stereo and bass upgrade to improve your listening experience. They are a JL Audio Signature Dealer that has committed to elevated standards for customer service and installation.
Noel’s Car Toys has been in business in Youngstown since 2006. They have top-name brands available and can customize your car to meet your needs. They can repair or replace your existing infotainment system and also upgrade the technology capabilities of your remote start, key fob, and power windows.
1st United Pawn & Loan in Youngstown is another place to go for an upgraded stereo. This shop buys and sells a variety of electronics and can give you an item valuation for your equipment before buying it. They can pay anywhere from 40-60% of retail value.