Opinions on the current market

Wants/needs list:

remote
HT bypass (although I can get around it, and may do that since I’m also concerned about ‘burning up’ tube life when the system is in tv/movie watching mode, and most but NOT all pres require the pre is on for bypass to work). I’d like balanced connections, as even on my Marantz AVP8802a from my Oppo balanced outputs, it does sound slightly better. @verdantaudio I don’t know about gain, my Odyssey Stratos is spec’d at 22Kohm impedance, if that helps. No phono, the only source will be the Oppo (and AVP via HT input).
@chorus. Your points are good, although the 2 year old part may be tough(er). That’s one reason I’m thinking of older ‘heavy hitter’ brands where the vast majority of depreciation will have occurred already.

thanks all!!

@chorus. I was going to dutifully ignore your first rule, but in fairness to myself, I’ve been looking/reading/researching since just before the lockdown. Actually, probably a month before, since I had a few weekends when I relistened to a PL EVO400 at my local store a few times. But I get your point :)

I have bought a lot of used audio gear. I bought and sold used industrial equipment for twenty years. I am a sharp buyer. About two months ago the asking prices softened for just about everything except some medical gear. In six months to a year it should be a fire sale buyers market. Wait. This pandemic is going to get worse, There are not going to be as many buyers. The owners - private and store front are going to need money and they are going to sell low low low.

FWIW many manufacturers in high end are keeping busy right now.  A similar phenomena is happening in the bicycle world; apparently if we have to practice social distancing and quarantine, might as well enjoy it.

Can’t argue with that, Ralph. Plus with all our extra time, it gives more time to nitpick the system and look for reasons to upgrade:). Having said that, I’m in auto service, so aside from a few extra days off I’ve been working right along....