One's trash is someone else's treasure


I would be interested to find out what “treasures” you people have come across in your journey to audio nirvana on the used market. For me, it was in 1993 (I don’t remember if the internet was already at its early stages of development – I don’t think so), and I came across an ad in our local newspaper for a Linn LP-12. The second I read the ad, I immediately called the seller who happens to be this older fellow who obviously didn’t have the slightest clue what he’s about to relinquish. I drove to his apartment and there it was, a Linn LP-12 complete with an LVX tone arm, a K9 cartridge and the smoke dustcover – all in excellent condition. The asking price? $100!!!! While I was in his apartment checking the table out, the seller received about three phone calls regarding the LP-12 too bad for those prospective buyers but first come, first serve. Talk about someone’s trash being someone else’s treasure!!!! About three years later, I sold the table for $900! It was about this time when the digital front end was really taking off with the transport and outboard DAC options. Now, I’m back into vinyl (just recently got back actually) and have a VPI Scout Aries with JMW 9 arm and a Dynavector 10x5 cartridge. This time, my analog set up is a keeper!!!! What treasures have you come across??????
gemini
gemini:

what you could have done is offer him more than he asked--a price that still would be less than what you could get on audiogon.
LOL. You just passed some major gas during a church service. Trying to apologize doesn't help at all. Phew!
You'll just get more glares from the congregation whose mean age is probably a lot closer to your victim's than yours.

FWIW I agree with Mr Tennis. That IS what I would have done.

PS, Now if you want to discuss real deals, let me tell you about the time I screwed a too eager audio dealer.........Naw, probably the wrong forum too. :-)
Just picked up a real nice pair of Original KLH 6 loudspeakers at my Annual Town Flee Market ..$1 with speaker cables too!!!!! Cleaned up they look and sound fantastic....
When my father died my mother sold all of his "hobby" wood carving stuff at insanely low prices. My father collected wood and carving tools with a passion, but she had no attachment to the stuff and couldn't stand to look at it. She gave away $10K in exotic woods to whoever would haul it away. When I freaked out about it she calmly said "What would you want that old wood for?". Please, give gemini a break here, he may have actually done the gentleman a service.