Gear takes a while to break in, so a lot of times you buy something from someone, especially if they trade out of it within 1 yr, that is just starting to sound it's best. Someone who may know more please corret me, but as far as speakers go, there's really not that much that has changed in about 30 yrs. Refinements to be sure, but not a paradigm shift type change. I have heard plenty of Quad 57's and Klipschorns, run off of cleaned up but original configuations that sound every bit as good as anything new.
I think the best tube amp I have ever heard was an old McInstosh, maybe it was the tubes in it, but man did that thing sing through the 60's era Klipschorns. In fact the dude had an AR ES turntable (tricked out with newer parts though, and a great arm, I think it was an SME) but it was an older Mac preamp, all original. Wow, it rocked. I distinctly remember him playing an original pressing of Who's Next. Great stuff.
I think used gear always. The only thing I have ever bought new was my current preamp and sub (reciever doesn't count since you are paying for latest technology and I only use it for HT). Cables, speakers, amps, power conditioner (when you can), disk player, DAC all used. Particulary the power amps. How much have the really changed? Class D amps are different, but high end tube and SS amps are basically the same as the were 20 years ago. For an example listen to the Parasound 2200 vs the Parasound Halo a21: is the Halo better? Yes, but not that much, and not 2300 better if you bought it new. Well, that's my opinion.
I would rather buy used McIntosh, Magnepan, Cary, Parasound, Linn, Musical Fidelity than new Consonance.
I think the best tube amp I have ever heard was an old McInstosh, maybe it was the tubes in it, but man did that thing sing through the 60's era Klipschorns. In fact the dude had an AR ES turntable (tricked out with newer parts though, and a great arm, I think it was an SME) but it was an older Mac preamp, all original. Wow, it rocked. I distinctly remember him playing an original pressing of Who's Next. Great stuff.
I think used gear always. The only thing I have ever bought new was my current preamp and sub (reciever doesn't count since you are paying for latest technology and I only use it for HT). Cables, speakers, amps, power conditioner (when you can), disk player, DAC all used. Particulary the power amps. How much have the really changed? Class D amps are different, but high end tube and SS amps are basically the same as the were 20 years ago. For an example listen to the Parasound 2200 vs the Parasound Halo a21: is the Halo better? Yes, but not that much, and not 2300 better if you bought it new. Well, that's my opinion.
I would rather buy used McIntosh, Magnepan, Cary, Parasound, Linn, Musical Fidelity than new Consonance.