Audio: headphones, speakers and vinyl

Verify the serial number on the box with the manufacturer's site (for AirPods — checkcoverage.apple.com). Fakes give themselves away by weight, flimsy case hinges and a missing model number on the earbuds.

Real battery life versus claimed: TWS batteries degrade noticeably in 2–3 years. Ask the seller to factory-reset the pair and connect them to your phone at the meetup.

The stylus and tonearm condition — a cartridge replacement can cost half the turntable. Check speed stability; for older units ask when the belt was last changed.

AirPods Pro and Sony WH-1000XM are the most liquid: they sell for 60–70% of retail after a year or two of use. Budget TWS lose half their value immediately — better to buy them used than to sell.

Yes — condition is graded from M (mint) to G (good). Ask for photos of the surface under light: deep scratches are audible, fine ones aren't. The sleeve and inserts affect collector value as much as the vinyl itself.

Active (built-in amp) is simpler: plug in and listen — ideal for a computer or TV. Passive plus a separate amplifier is more flexible with room to upgrade. On the second-hand market, 90s passive bookshelf speakers are a legendary price-to-sound ratio.