Mostly great suggestions, but I would advise caution shopping for used or vintage equipment unless you are prepared to work on it yourself or pay a technician $85.00 an hour. At the OP's price point, paying for repairs or upgrades is probably not an option.
Seems strange to say this on Audiogon's forum. This is actually a great place to buy used equipment, as most sellers are audiophiles themselves and know the value and condition of what they are selling. You will usually find good, fair deals. When shopping on the open market, however, caveat emptor.