I buy lots - OK, 10-15 a year - mainly CDs to replace aging or lost vinyl. Vinyl I buy when I can afford it to complete or add to (very) specific collections.

Yes, base prices have jumped - as they have in specialist shops. I'm amazed at some of the asking prices for stock-standard pop LPs in wretched condition; then again, I've never seen anyone actually hand over cash for those, so maybe the shopkeepers are dreaming.

Last time I looked, folk LPs had certainly retained value - the Barry Dransfield Polydor LP - original Folk Mill, not the re-issues - still commands 250 quid (U$400+) and assume the Topic Anne Briggs LP is about the same.... I think they're pretty much the benchmarks still for the revival genre.

I'm happy to pay between U20 and U$30 for an LP in good condition that I desperately desire - that's not much over and above twhat a CD re-issue price would be. Unfortunatly, it's the worldwide increase in postage charges that are the killers for us poor Aussies; tack on another U$20 to get it down here.

(We still seem to win the cricket, but... :-)

Market forces....

Michael.