Question about older stuff

I think if you stick to amps and preamps, older equipment can represent a great bargain. CD technology has changed so much, I'd recommend a current or at least recent model. Speakers are problematic. Besides the possibility of foam surround rot (if they had foam surrounds), you never know how they have been treated. So it's more of a gamble.

Dekay is right on the money about the need to audition equipment. One possible way around this may be to buy an older piece of gear, try it, and then re-sell it if it doesn't work out. The going price of a 10 year old amp shouldn't change much in a few months, whereas a new amp loses a lot of value once it becomes used. Buying, trying, re-selling seems like a lot of hassle, but it could save you some serious money.