Too Good to Be True?

stretchl
stretchl Posts: 1,334
edited July 2012 in Speakers
Greetings, all.

Now that GWH has helped me find a great deal on an Adcom GFA-555ii, I'm lusting after a pair of LSi-15's.

I'm in Richmond, VA, for a while but could definitely drive back up to Baltimore for these, if the deal is as sweet as it seems to be.

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/ele/3120701036.html

Any thoughts from the cognoscenti?

Thanks!
“Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'”
- Isaac Asimov
Hi-Fi
Apple Lossless --> Squeezebox Touch --> Joule Electra LA-100 Mark iii --> Odyssey Khartargo Mono Plus --> LSiM-705's
Cabling by Groneberg
Visuals
https://media.illinois.edu/journalism/ledford-charles-stretch
bit.ly/stretchonphotojournalism
http://Vimeo.com/channels/stretchphoto
Post edited by stretchl on
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Comments

  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    edited July 2012
    stretchl wrote: »
    Greetings, all.

    Now that GWH has helped me find a great deal on an Adcom GFA-555ii, I'm lusting after a pair of LSi-15's.

    I'm in Richmond, VA, for a while but could definitely drive back up to Baltimore for these, if the deal is as sweet as it seems to be.

    http://baltimore.craigslist.org/ele/3120701036.html

    Any thoughts from the cognoscenti?

    Thanks!

    I dont know, sounds WAYYYY too good to be true honestly.

    Polks ebay site or forum members are honestly just about the only folks I would purchase from.... If nothing else make contact and see if you can get some pics and whatnot and go from there.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • stretchl
    stretchl Posts: 1,334
    edited July 2012
    EndersShadow wrote: »
    I dont know, sounds WAYYYY too good to be true honestly.

    Polks ebay site or forum members are honestly just about the only folks I would purchase from.... If nothing else make contact and see if you can get some pics and whatnot and go from there.

    That's what I'm thinking, too...

    Wondering why the guy wouldn't put 'em on eBay. Also wondering if they might be stolen. :(
    “Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'”
    - Isaac Asimov
    Hi-Fi
    Apple Lossless --> Squeezebox Touch --> Joule Electra LA-100 Mark iii --> Odyssey Khartargo Mono Plus --> LSiM-705's
    Cabling by Groneberg
    Visuals
    https://media.illinois.edu/journalism/ledford-charles-stretch
    bit.ly/stretchonphotojournalism
    http://Vimeo.com/channels/stretchphoto
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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited July 2012
    Call him and find out.
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  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,393
    edited July 2012
    I had emailed the seller last week. He apparently had used the original crossovers in a DIY project and wanted to sell the LSi15's in complete condition. He says that he is moving and has to get rid of stuff.

    The guy is real close to where I live and I seriously thought about these but I really have no place for them, no amp to drive them and I am satisfied with my what I've got (for now).

    Stan
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    edited July 2012
    Damn, those could be flipped for at least 200-300 + shipping....

    Even if you dont need em now, if you got the space for em pick em up.... you wont regret it...
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,224
    edited July 2012
    skrol wrote: »
    I had emailed the seller last week. He apparently had used the original crossovers in a DIY project and wanted to sell the LSi15's in complete condition. He says that he is moving and has to get rid of stuff.

    The guy is real close to where I live and I seriously thought about these but I really have no place for them, no amp to drive them and I am satisfied with my what I've got (for now).

    Stan

    And you're talking about all the good deals being in Texas:eek::cheesygrin:

    Go check those bad boys out. I'll even sell you a Rotel amp to drive them:wink:
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • stretchl
    stretchl Posts: 1,334
    edited July 2012
    skrol wrote: »
    The guy is real close to where I live and I seriously thought about these but I really have no place for them, no amp to drive them and I am satisfied with my what I've got (for now).

    Stan

    Stan... At the risk of imposing... are you close enough to him that you could check them out for me? If they're the real McCoy I can drive up from Richmond and pick them up. Thanks.
    “Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'”
    - Isaac Asimov
    Hi-Fi
    Apple Lossless --> Squeezebox Touch --> Joule Electra LA-100 Mark iii --> Odyssey Khartargo Mono Plus --> LSiM-705's
    Cabling by Groneberg
    Visuals
    https://media.illinois.edu/journalism/ledford-charles-stretch
    bit.ly/stretchonphotojournalism
    http://Vimeo.com/channels/stretchphoto
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stretchl
    stretchl Posts: 1,334
    edited July 2012
    chumlie wrote: »
    Call him and find out.

    I spoke with him yesterday, Chumlie. Either as a result of my lack of knowledge of the speakers or his lack of clarity in describing them (see the original text in the ad), I didn't get a lot out of the conversation.
    “Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'”
    - Isaac Asimov
    Hi-Fi
    Apple Lossless --> Squeezebox Touch --> Joule Electra LA-100 Mark iii --> Odyssey Khartargo Mono Plus --> LSiM-705's
    Cabling by Groneberg
    Visuals
    https://media.illinois.edu/journalism/ledford-charles-stretch
    bit.ly/stretchonphotojournalism
    http://Vimeo.com/channels/stretchphoto
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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited July 2012
    Hopefully Stan will help you out. Sound like a killer deal.
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  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,393
    edited July 2012
    My week is pretty tight but I'll see what I can do. I emailed the seller to see when I can come see/hear them. Assuming they are in good condition, it would be great if one of us could grab them.

    Stan
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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  • stretchl
    stretchl Posts: 1,334
    edited July 2012
    Don't go to too much trouble, really. Just if u have a chance. Thanks.
    “Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'”
    - Isaac Asimov
    Hi-Fi
    Apple Lossless --> Squeezebox Touch --> Joule Electra LA-100 Mark iii --> Odyssey Khartargo Mono Plus --> LSiM-705's
    Cabling by Groneberg
    Visuals
    https://media.illinois.edu/journalism/ledford-charles-stretch
    bit.ly/stretchonphotojournalism
    http://Vimeo.com/channels/stretchphoto
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,393
    edited July 2012
    I've been on the fence about looking at these anyway. It seems odd that no one has grabbed these yet since they were listed on July 5th. If I get to see them, I'll be sure to snaps some pics.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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  • stretchl
    stretchl Posts: 1,334
    edited July 2012
    Ya. I asked him about photos and he said, basically, just google 'em.

    That, along w the price and the fact that he replaced the crossovers (not clear on what the story is there) makes me extremely cautious.
    “Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'”
    - Isaac Asimov
    Hi-Fi
    Apple Lossless --> Squeezebox Touch --> Joule Electra LA-100 Mark iii --> Odyssey Khartargo Mono Plus --> LSiM-705's
    Cabling by Groneberg
    Visuals
    https://media.illinois.edu/journalism/ledford-charles-stretch
    bit.ly/stretchonphotojournalism
    http://Vimeo.com/channels/stretchphoto
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,393
    edited July 2012
    If all go well I should see them this evening.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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  • stretchl
    stretchl Posts: 1,334
    edited July 2012
    And if they're great one of us will take the right and the other the left. ;)
    “Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'”
    - Isaac Asimov
    Hi-Fi
    Apple Lossless --> Squeezebox Touch --> Joule Electra LA-100 Mark iii --> Odyssey Khartargo Mono Plus --> LSiM-705's
    Cabling by Groneberg
    Visuals
    https://media.illinois.edu/journalism/ledford-charles-stretch
    bit.ly/stretchonphotojournalism
    http://Vimeo.com/channels/stretchphoto
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,393
    edited July 2012
    Then I will need a bigger amp so that you can hear my side down in Richmond.

    By the way, he is very firm on price and says that he would not consider $499, cash only.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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  • stretchl
    stretchl Posts: 1,334
    edited July 2012
    I'm actually in Richmond on business and live in champaign IL. So the amp will have to be even bigger! :)
    “Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'”
    - Isaac Asimov
    Hi-Fi
    Apple Lossless --> Squeezebox Touch --> Joule Electra LA-100 Mark iii --> Odyssey Khartargo Mono Plus --> LSiM-705's
    Cabling by Groneberg
    Visuals
    https://media.illinois.edu/journalism/ledford-charles-stretch
    bit.ly/stretchonphotojournalism
    http://Vimeo.com/channels/stretchphoto
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,393
    edited July 2012
    Well, I went and saw them... I went there not sure if I wanted them to be good or trash. If good, I'd be too tempted to buy. I was expecting and maybe even wanting them to be trash...

    The LSi15 were a very unique item among the seller's collection of stuff which consisted of mostly cost competitive pro-sound equipment and various DIY projects in progress.

    Some things really are too good to be true. Not these, however. I immediately felt sick as I had just gotten off the phone with my wife who convinced me that I didn't need another pair of speakers and that I was only looking at these for the guy on the Polk forum and these things are beautiful. They are in excellent condition with only very minor scratches on the black enamel. There are no snags on the grills. The sound system was rather sacrilegious for such a fine piece of audio craftsmanship, consisting of a simple CD player, feeding into a 3-ch mixer, feeding an um-teen band equalizer, feeding a power amp by "Marathon" (I have a pic). However, once the equalizer was bypassed, the LSi's shown through. They are fully functional. It worried me what abuse these speakers may have seen, however, they saw duty in a small HT system being fed by a Hafler amp.

    I tore myself away letting the seller know that I was still very interested and if not me, I know some other folks who are. Please, someone buy these and save my marriage!

    Stretchl, if you really want a pair of LSi15's, they are certainly worth the trip up here. If anyone is interested in these, PM me first and I can provide more info. I'll try to post some pics later.
    Stan
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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  • bencorn
    bencorn Posts: 49
    edited July 2012
    That's a stellar deal on those with them being in good condition. I do love that about these forums that people are willing to do things like this for each other.
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  • Inspector 24
    Inspector 24 Posts: 1,308
    edited July 2012
    Definitely not too good to be true.

    Recently let a pair of LSi15's go that were listed for $450, no worse condition than the ones the OP checked out...didn't feel bad about those...the COMPLETE LSi Surround setup listed for $650 that I missed by by MINUTES...that one I felt almost sick that I missed...Family was moving, had to go.....

    Thus, I do a local polk search once a day :razz:
    Up
    LSi15 LSiC - RX-V3000

    Down
    LSiM707 - 706c - 702f/x - Dual HSU VTF-15H Mk2
    Parasound HCA-3500 - HCA-2003A - Marantz SR7005
    Sim2 D60 - Dragonfly 106" Panny 500

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  • stretchl
    stretchl Posts: 1,334
    edited July 2012
    Stan, thank you so much for checking them out. I should've sent you the cash via paypal so you could've just picked them up for me while you were there, as I can't get up there until Monday.

    Did the fellow seem honest? Like, if I send him a $100 paypal good faith deposit planning to pay the balance at pickup he'd not run off with my cash? I'm going to call him first thing this morning. (Sorry I have such little faith in Craigslist...)

    This forum really is amazing. If this purchase works out I'll have bought an Adcom GFA-555ii and two LSi15's for a total of $800 in the last two weeks.

    How about THAT? :)
    “Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'”
    - Isaac Asimov
    Hi-Fi
    Apple Lossless --> Squeezebox Touch --> Joule Electra LA-100 Mark iii --> Odyssey Khartargo Mono Plus --> LSiM-705's
    Cabling by Groneberg
    Visuals
    https://media.illinois.edu/journalism/ledford-charles-stretch
    bit.ly/stretchonphotojournalism
    http://Vimeo.com/channels/stretchphoto
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hertz9753
    hertz9753 Posts: 310
    edited July 2012
    I hope you get those speakers...To my house for free. Good luck. :smile:
    AVR-Onkyo TX-NR808
    Front amp-Adcom GFA 555>Polk Audio LSi9's(Vr3 Castle Mods)
    Center amp-Adcom GFA 5400>Polk Audio LSi9 bi-wired(Vr3 Castle Mod)
    Surrounds-Polk Audio F/X500's<Onkyo TX-NR808
    Sub-Velodyne SPL-1000R
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  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,393
    edited July 2012
    The seller did seem honest. I have a feeling that he will have no problem getting them next week as he will be out of town today and Fri-Sun. I think I was the only person to show interest in the speakers.

    He also has an Adcom GFA-6000 that he is selling for $220 and is looking to make deals / trades, mainly for pro-sound stuff, bikes motor cycle.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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  • stretchl
    stretchl Posts: 1,334
    edited July 2012
    Thanks, Stan.

    I actually called the guy this morning, committed to the purchase, and agreed to pick them up on Monday.

    He was on the way out, I was in an airport and he asked that I get his e-mail address from you.

    Can you send that to me in a PM? I think I can access that... I'm still trying to figure out how to most efficiently use the forum's interface.

    I can't thank you enough for your help.
    “Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'”
    - Isaac Asimov
    Hi-Fi
    Apple Lossless --> Squeezebox Touch --> Joule Electra LA-100 Mark iii --> Odyssey Khartargo Mono Plus --> LSiM-705's
    Cabling by Groneberg
    Visuals
    https://media.illinois.edu/journalism/ledford-charles-stretch
    bit.ly/stretchonphotojournalism
    http://Vimeo.com/channels/stretchphoto
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,393
    edited July 2012
    If the deal falls through let me know so I can agonize over it more.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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