New or used?

I'd opt for new. There are a dozen good candidates with up-to-date engineering and materials: Rega P5, Clearaudio Emotion, Marantz 15, VPI Scout, etc.

I would rather have new, with possibly a dealer to support me, than rely on where I can find such and such an ooold part.........just my .02

07-30-07: Joe_in_seattle
I'd opt for new. There are a dozen good candidates with up-to-date engineering and materials: Rega P5, Clearaudio Emotion, Marantz 15, VPI Scout, etc.

... and Funk Firm, J.A. Michell Tecnodec with Tecnoarm, Music Hall MMF 9.1, Pro-Ject 9.1... The list keeps getting bigger and the items keep getting better.

And if you're a real rebel, Technics SL-1200 w/Kab outboard power supply, threaded spindle and clamp, Origin Live Technics/Rega armboard and OL-1 tonearm with all mods (or the Silver tonearm), and Mapleshade threaded heavyfeet.

I would go for 2nd hand, but that is because I always do. The reason of course is you get more bang for your buck. You can get the latest version of a VPI, Technodec, Origin Live Aurora or any other of the good decks listed above and save yourself $1000. The risks are small, particularly if you buy on this site, interest rates are rising, you know it makes sense.
I even buy cartridges 2nd hand, which is the riskiest of all to buy. That makes the savings even more, if you are brave enough. I would'nt have bought a Koetsu rosewood signature new. The one I bought has just been tretipped after 3 years of daily use, still going strong

Used is cheaper, new is not. It's as simple as that and does not depend on price. Most new products are continually evolving. They just cost is all.

i would agree with david12.most of my purchases over the years have been used with the exception of cartridges.not to say there aren't some dangers involved,as in no warranty and an item being misrepresented.

I have bought all my equipment used with the exception of my turntable. Don't know why I went new on those exactly, just a feeling that it is delicate and I wanted to be able to send it back or have a warranty if I had a problem I guess.