(Real audiophiles buy used and we all know it. So here are some second-hand deals that caught my eye as I perused the usual sites looking for love in all the wrong places… no affiliation on my end and no guarantee of satisfaction in any way)
Auralic Vega – asking $1395 at the ‘Gon. I’ve seen a few of these go in this price range but usually it’s a “no original box, scratched up but still working” kind of scene. This is box, remote and listed in 9/10 shape from a verified and well-known dealer. I had a Vega years ago and it was the beginning of my Second Digital Awakening (I’m deep in the throes of my third right now if you’re wondering though you probably weren’t). This sucker retailed for $3500 and was many a well-regarded reviewers’ reference back in the day. It’s excellent. Cool looking too.
KEF LS50 – Asking $785 shipped at HeadFi. Again you see these in the $800 range sometimes but usually with a caveat – for instance there’s a pair for $800 on the ‘Gon right now but one of them is chipped. According to this seller these are basically open-box new, the black/rose-gold colorway. If you, ah, don’t know about the hype around these mighty bookshelf speakers… now you know. Any review you care to peruse will be a rave.
Luxman 509-x – Asking $4050 plus shipping at Audio Asylum Trader. You read that right – $4050. Retail is $9450. The reviews on these Luxman integrateds are universally great and this one is no different. It’s their top of the line unit, MM/MC phono stage, tone controls (we love that here at ToneControl!) and just about the sexiest looking damn amplifier on earth. I have lusted after one of these for a while. Kind of can’t believe the price. I believe seller will only accept bank transfer, so do your due diligence. But man if you are in the market for a high-end integrated this is a steal.