Garage Sale Steals - What to look for?


Am I the only one that has that dream of tagging along with the wife to some garage sale, only to find some audio equipment for sale and the guy doesn't know what to ask for it, saying, "make me an offer"? The thought flashes, boy I'd like to run home to look it up on the 'net to be sure! You return home, find out it's a gem, return to the sale only to find out someone with knowledge purchased it and you wake up in a cold sweat! (Sorry, I got a little carried away there.)

A year or so ago I was interested in Nak decks and used to have such thougts of finding a deal, though I am rarely, if ever, at a garage sale.

A recent discussion on here about Threshold amps prompted me to create this post. What "legendary" piece of audio equipment would you like to pick up for next to nothing? (This way I can create a cheat sheet for my wallet! LOL)
brianmgrarcom
Richgib, great post!

I did a search for the books you recommend, these cover older equipment than I would ever be interested in (maybe), but I also saw this book listed: "Vintage Hi-Fi Price Guide New Edition 2000-2001 New Listings!"; are you familiar with it? If so, is it a good book to have and what years does it cover?
Hi, Brian. thanks for your comments. No, I am not familiar with that book but I am going to look for it. Do you know where it is available, I would appreciate the info. Richard
Oops! Please allow for a correction to my earlier post, the 300B tubes I found in the junk old gear were "Western Electric" 300B's (not "Westinghouse" 300B's) My age is catching up to me... BTW, it also helps to have a good tube tester and a Variac if you're going to look for older tube gear...
My earlier post said Westinghouse 300B's found in rusted old amps. My error, they were WESTERN ELECTRIC 300B's... not "Westinghouse".