what are your top "audio bargins" in your system history?

Reference 3A MM deCapo i speakers. After decades of a parade of speakers from ProAc, Thiel, Merlin, DeVore and others, the de Capos are the ones that most often surprise me with what I’m hearing. And, a Nelson Pass designed Amp Camp Amp in my office system. Remarkable sound at a silly cheap price and a weekend of fun building it.

 

In my admittedly small amount of gear over the past ten years or so I would have to say the near new Maggie LRS I picked up for $550 a few years ago.  Even at retail they are a fantastic deal IMO.  

Audio Research Classic 60 (2 years old), ARC 3 meter litz speakers cable. ARC 1 meter RCA IC and ARC 1/2 meter RCA IC. All for $1600 in 1992.

ARC Classic 60 amps (30 years old) sell for this today.

Empire 698 turntable (store demo) for $150.

Bryston 4B3 (store demo) for $2750.

Klipsch La Scalla II (as new) for $5000 + free shipping.

The one that got away: Box full of assorted Black Diamond Racing cones, squares, gizmos. Easily 20 pieces. $100.

 

Trading my DQ-10’s for a pair of Acoustat Model X’s.  I also was able to sell my Hafler DH-220’s!  Still have the Model X’s, but I don’t listen to was much as I should.

Oh Boy, Nearly Everything

I'm 74, Then and Now, spurring some great memories:

1. Inherited

a. Fisher President II from Uncle Johnnie (1958 components, free firewood)

b. Speaker Drivers currently in new enclosures

c. Fisher Mono Amps 80az for many years (Sold to Steve at VAS)

d. Viking Tape Deck, 2 track stereo, used for years, downstairs somewhere

e. Fisher 500C from Henry, still loan to friends when their equip in shop

f. Thorens TD124 TT with SME 3009II, from Henry, fixed, used for years

f. 4,000lps from Rod

2. GIFTS (mostly from clients whose offices I designed)

a. McIntosh MC 2250 Amp (CBS)

b. McIntosh C28 Preamp (CBS)

c. 8 Track, Columbia House (CBS)

d. Velodyne Sub (JP Stevens)

d. TT in Drawer, Linear Programmable Pioneer (wife's twin sister))

e. Sony Blu-Ray Player (niece)

f. DAT recorder (Sony)

3. SWAPS

a. Fisher 800C for Mitsubishi Vertical TT, LT-5V

b. Thorens TD124 for Fisher 500C

4. BARGAINS bought

a. Harvey's Used Shelf (tips from Wayne)

1. Tandberg 2080 Receiver

2. Technics SP-15

3. Nakamichi Dragon Cassette Deck 

4. Carver AM/FM Tuner

5. Carver m-200T amp

b.. Leonard Radio (tips from Phil)

1. JSE Infinite Slope Model 2 Speakers

c. eBay/marts/ads

1. Tube Testers, Accurate 157 & 257

2. Fisher 800C (component and free firewood)

3. TT in Drawer with Shibata Cartridge (Sony)

4. TT Linear Programmable. Microline (Technics SL-33)

5. Yamaha CR-1040 Receiver

6. Teac Reel to Reel X2000r, (only needed cleaning and belts)

7. Three ARM Turntable, $5.600 total for:

JVC 2 arm plinth CL-P2

JVC TT 81 (plus120/110 v transformer)

Fidelity Research SUT with 3 Inputs

Three Tonearms

Three custom Phono Cables

Three Cartridges

5. Bargains, except for shipping costs

a. 2 pairs of Speakers, AR-2Ax

6. Store Closings

a. 6th Ave Electronics, DBX Soundfield 100 Speakers for Video Use

b. J&R: Stereo Rack

c. Crazy Eddie: Super Audio VHS

d. Tech Hifi (match any price, closing, a few things)

e. The WIZ (match any price, closing, a few things) 

7. Near Full Retail:

a. Luxman Tube Amp for my office

b. CD Player, Sony xa5400 (used price same as ancient original price)