Why buy older digital gear?

It's been my experience that the older Cal Audio Lab's DAC's still sound far more "musical" and "liquid" than some of the current 24 bit offerings. I'm not saying that they beat ALL of them, only that they can hold their own. This is especially true given the used prices that they are currently being offered at. Besides that, they can make a HUGE difference to someone that is running a "one box" SS player that has some mileage on it. As such, that "old junk" can still be one helluva "upgrade" for quite a few folks out there. Sean
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........The "old" Pioneer PD 65 transport is still an excellent transport. I'b be more concerned about buying older DAC technology though. Cheers. Craig

Because it still reproduce very good sounding music. Old Cal Audio Tempest with 4x oversampling will surprise you with its pleasing sound, not associated with digital sound of that era. Or better yet, Linn Karik/Numerik combo, SFCD-1. I've been lucky to pick DPA 1028 DAC, circa 1984, and with my vintage Karik makes most 'analog' sound that i've heard from digital gear. I haven't listened SACD, or DVD-a yet, but those two formats aren't going anywere. Yet!

I have a krell 30i with no upgrades in one of my systems that I love listening to and its DAC is first rate for my 300 disc changer I also have hooked to it. I never think of it as old technology - just good sounding.