The most iconic sound source that I have in my possession today are the analog tapes that I recorded all the way from the early 80's, the present nakamichi decks and teac reel to reel. Without those ingredients, It will not matter to me even if I have over 50k worth of amps and equipment. Absolutely will never trade it for any new technology or recordings... Even if I paid double for what I spent on my decks, its worth a million bucks in sound.
Tim what a great story not just the bargain you got but what an excellent person you are as if we needed any reminders.
A brand new (at the time) SPL Phonitor 2730B headphone amplifier at AUS$ 1000. Even used, they're double that now.
I bought a pair of factory sealed Focal Sopra 1 speakers for $5400.00 cash off of USAudiomart. The guy that had them was living 15 miles from my house. I have had them for almost 4.5 years and don't think I will ever sell them. Just awesome speakers! Audio System 2022.jpeg
Summer 2021, Sara and I were offered the following gear for $2,500 total. Once in a lifetime "right place, right time, right connection" scenario. We could not refuse. I think original retail was around $25,000, circa 2000. Every day I listen to this system is blissful. Aria Audio WV5 XL tube line stage Aria Audio WT350LS monoblock tube amplifiers Meadowlark Audio Heron i speakers
I can't really say what the "bargain of my lifetime" was, but I think I've culled a few bargains over the last few years... One: I was all set to buy a 1200GR for $1700 plus tax, when a 1200G popped up LNIB for $2400 shipped. Hindsight, and how it's performed, that was a pretty good deal. (I think the thread is in the archives here )
1970-1972 Sansui AS-100 (acoustic suspension) speakers, AlNiCo magnets, M- perfect condition. @ the GW for $9.98. Like KLH or AR. It was like -- how in the world did these end up here?? Glad they did. They function perfectly & sound wonderful. The 'big box sound' in 23-inch high heavy cabs. Amazing.
I've had two .. both new .. hind site 20/20 were great purchases for my audio system. 1. Technics SL 1210M5 from KABUSA in 2004 for $540 2. Polk Audio LSIM 703 (Mt Vernon Cherry) in 2019 from an Amazon merchant for $269 (each)
A couple of years ago a guy from work gave me a pair of Klipsch Fortes for free. They were in great shape except the binding posts on one of them had broken off and he wanted them gone. I offered to give him money but he refused. I rebuilt them with new capacitors and Crites tweeter diaphragms and listened to them for a few months. I didn't really have room for another pair of speakers. I could have sold them for probably a grand or so but it didn't feel right after getting them for free. An old friend was building up a system after not having anything for a while so I sold them to him for what I had invested in them, about $150.
Around 2009 or so, on eBay, some guy had a bunch of new-in-box Technics 1200 mk2's with a $250 buy it now. I jumped on that pretty quickly!
I’ve made an inquiry into just such a piece—a great deal and yet still an eye-watering price. I’ll let you know if i get it.
WiiM Pro might just be the best bargain in audio right now. Very capable streamer for not a lot of money.
The legendary Nakamichi ZX-7 and 682ZX both in like new condition. I've used so many cassette decks in my life. These 2 are one of the best cassette recording / playbacks I owned. In my opinion the 682ZX are a bit more on the players side and the ZX-7 is a master in recording. Every tapes that came out and recorded on both machines sounds like a million bucks. We'll just say I don't think I can afford or even find one in this condition and such a price. Just the recordings I made on these decks made are well more than what I paid for. The Pioneer PL-518 TT was a follow-up I bought nearly 2 years ago and I spend a total of 1-1/2 day recap, rebuilding and restoring to make the table run like new with a brand new diamond stylus. This is my main playback turntable in my recording station. Very quiet and very stable. Just perfect for my purpose.
I think I mention this along the way here at SHF. Since the early 80's through the early 90's I always see these Marantz gyro receiver for 10-15 bucks at flea markets and I couldn't believe people are passing them by more with GPX plastic stereo. I bought every one that I can get my hands on and later on I sold all of those collection in 2012 when I acquire my house at the pacific northwest. All I remember that those old Marantz sounds very W-I-D-E especially in tuners.
