What's your best audio deal ever?

BottomFeeder
BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
edited September 2007 in 2 Channel Audio
By that I mean:

1. What's the best $ deal you've gotten on a great piece of gear?
(For me, it's my mint RTA12C's for $75. I know, you've got me beat! Most do; I'm a newbie)

2. What piece of gear made the biggest difference in your system?
(For me, it's my NAD C320Bee. I know, it's entry level, but the difference it made from my 20 year old Denon receiver was astonishing)

Thanks for your input. I think it will really help educate people like me who're really just getting started in this hobby. So thanks!
"Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
Post edited by BottomFeeder on
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  • rskarvan
    rskarvan Posts: 2,374
    edited September 2007
    Thiel 3.6's.... $1200 with all new drivers and very nicely refinished cabinets (not even the slightest scratch).
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited September 2007
    Damn, rskarvan, helluva deal.

    I got my Thiels for well under blue book as well. Maybe not the "best deal" I've ever gotten, but close to it.

    I got a Carver M4.0t for $60 (guy only wanted $50, but I told him to keep the extra $10). He also had a minty Sunfire amp for $550 (still a great deal) but didn't seem quite a good a deal as the Carver so I passed.

    Capecodder and George Grand could probably write books with the deals they've found. . . I'm just a rookie in this all-star game.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited September 2007
    I've had a few lately. McIntosh MC-7270 in great shape with case, $1200. Triad Silver Onwall Surrounds, $300 NIB.

    The best was a pair of Tannoy Saturn S8's and a Saturn S8C, all new in box for $500.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • kkerley33
    kkerley33 Posts: 21
    edited September 2007
    Newbie here but this is my best deal.

    At an H.H. Gregg in Indiana that was having a remodeling sale I picked up two Acoustic Research 315HO, two AR 308HO's and a matching CS25HO center channel for $750.00. At that time, the retail on the 5 speakers was almost $3000.00. These were end of model year demo's purchased new with warranty and still grace the HT in my Den. The store manager said make an offer and that was the number I threw out.

    You would be hard pressed to buy those same 5 speakers today for less than that amount and these were purchased 9 years ago.

    They were replaced with the AR1, the AR11 and the AR4C shortly after I bought them, but still a steel.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited September 2007
    In 1987 I bought a mint Nakamichi Dragon from a customer whose wife thought it was too complicated to use. He ended up getting a Yamaha dual cassette deck to replace it. The Dragon at the time retailed for $2200 and I bought it from my customer for $475 and it had hardly been used. I had sold it to him about 9 mos. earlier as a package deal for around $1975. The $475 is what the store I worked for at the time would have given him as used trade in, so that's the price I bought it from him for.

    That's the best deal on one of the best pieces of equipment (for it's kind) that I've owned.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • VSOPJ
    VSOPJ Posts: 15
    edited September 2007
    Recently, I got a brand new pair of RTi10 for 499$ CAN in a authorized retailer. So, I get to have my cake and eat it. The correct price should have been 1149$, but for some reason, a clerk priced it wrong. It just so happened that I was walking by. I didnt really needed it, but I smelled the bargain. However, It forced me to buy a RMB1095 though...retail. Ouch
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  • JimBRICK
    JimBRICK Posts: 1,543
    edited September 2007
    My best deal with the Heresy's I got for free for doing an afternoon's work for my dads friend. My nakamichi cdp-2a was a good deal too, 30 bucks and going on ebay for 350 bucks right now
    http://cgi.ebay.ca/New-Nakamichi-CD-Player-Compact-Disc-CDP-2A_W0QQitemZ190148971488QQihZ009QQcategoryZ3272QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
    2 CHANNEL
    Speaker - Klipsch Heresy II
    Under construction
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited September 2007
    My best audio deal was on a pair of Definitive Tech BP10Bs from Vr3MxStyler2k3 (aka Trey). Got them for $550.
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
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  • markmarc
    markmarc Posts: 2,309
    edited September 2007
    In 1987, I picked up new in sealed boxes the Harman Kardon separates 870 amp, 825 preamp, and the 915 tuner for $600, they normally sold for $1500 as a group.
    Review Site_ (((AudioPursuit)))
    Founder/Publisher Affordable$$Audio 2006-13.
    Former Staff Member TONEAudio
    2 Ch. System
    Amplifiers: Parasound Halo P6 pre, Vista Audio i34, Peachtree amp500, Adcom GFP-565 GFA-535ii, 545ii, 555ii
    Digital: SimAudio HAD230 DAC, iMac 20in/Amarra,
    Speakers: Paradigm Performa F75, Magnepan .7, Totem Model 1's, ACI Emerald XL, Celestion Si Stands. Totem Dreamcatcher sub
    Analog: Technics SL-J2 w/Pickering 3000D, SimAudio LP5.3 phono pre
    Cable/Wires: Cardas, AudioArt, Shunyata Venom 3
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited September 2007
    $525 for 4 channels of my Cinepro 3k6. (not including the additional $275 to fix the remaining two channels....)

    and of course the $30 for my Monitor 10's (series II even).

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited September 2007
    $400 for my Carver Amazings.
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  • JimBRICK
    JimBRICK Posts: 1,543
    edited September 2007
    Shizelbs wrote: »
    $400 for my Carver Amazings.

    hey werent you selling those carvers on here for 800

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56879
    2 CHANNEL
    Speaker - Klipsch Heresy II
    Under construction
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  • rskarvan
    rskarvan Posts: 2,374
    edited September 2007
    Oh.... my Monitor 10 series 2's from Scot Trigg were $100 with original Polk stands. The drivers were in need of serious upgrading back to MW6503's. But, still.... There is no better bargain than a set of Monitor 10's on original tilt stands for $100. Even with the four $10 parts express generic plastic drivers... they sounded pretty darn good.
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited September 2007
    JimBRICK wrote: »
    hey werent you selling those carvers on here for 800

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56879

    This kind of stuff has been brought up before.... If you are selling something to other polkies below market value - You are giving them a good deal. If you sell it below market value and it happens to be more than you paid - is it no longer a deal?

    Who said profit was bad? If you can get something here cheaper than you can from somewhere else and from someone you kind of know and trust - jump on it. Why would you pay more somewhere else just for the benefit of not knowing how much the original owner paid??

    I just don't get it.... $800 seems to be a good deal for a pair of carver amazings. If you don't agree, point out the significant savings that can be had by purchasing elsewhere (via PM please...) and I am sure the price will be adjusted...
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited September 2007
    Yea, Shelby is an A-1 member who has done many things on this forum for member's gratis, as in for nothing. 8 Franklins for Amazings is a great deal. 4 is robbery, you going to jail on that one dude.

    RT1
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  • JimBRICK
    JimBRICK Posts: 1,543
    edited September 2007
    McLoki wrote: »
    This kind of stuff has been brought up before.... If you are selling something to other polkies below market value - You are giving them a good deal. If you sell it below market value and it happens to be more than you paid - is it no longer a deal?

    Who said profit was bad? If you can get something here cheaper than you can from somewhere else and from someone you kind of know and trust - jump on it. Why would you pay more somewhere else just for the benefit of not knowing how much the original owner paid??

    I just don't get it.... $800 seems to be a good deal for a pair of carver amazings. If you don't agree, point out the significant savings that can be had by purchasing elsewhere (via PM please...) and I am sure the price will be adjusted...



    sounds like a different story than when I put my grand wega on here for 1200 bucks and its was retailing for 1500 and everyone jumped on me cause I won it at work? Hows that any different? I got slammed but about 20 members that I was bad Karma
    2 CHANNEL
    Speaker - Klipsch Heresy II
    Under construction
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited September 2007
    I am not sure I have had any deals that would make you go WOW, but I would have to say the Proac Response 2.5's for $1600 would be near the top. Not a killer dealer, but below the blue book $ for sure.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • Spacedeckman
    Spacedeckman Posts: 96
    edited September 2007
    $5 for a pair of Stax 3a headphones with the driver box.

    Mark
    System:

    VPI Scout/Benz Ace
    Sutherland PH2000
    Arcam CD72
    Yamaha DVD-CX1 (primarily for CD..26 lbs, all BB D/A)
    Audioprism Mantissa w/Reference PS
    Parasound HCA750 (temporary)
    Audiovector M1 Signatures
    Kimber 4TC x 2
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited September 2007
    Over the years i've gotten a few pretty decent deals here and there... not the deals of the century.. but all it all good deals that would have cost me alot more dinero had I not found the deals.

    Latest is my garage sale SDA2A's for $40. Good deal, not in the sale league as say a pair of Carver Amazings or a really beefy amp or TOTL pre amp or turntable.

    But there are still some good deals out there.. but they are few and far between, at least for me they seem to be anyways.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited September 2007
    Spacedeckman wrote: »
    $5 for a pair of Stax 3a headphones with the driver box.

    Mark

    Dang dude... that is a killer find. You are my hero :p
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • Spacedeckman
    Spacedeckman Posts: 96
    edited September 2007
    danger boy wrote: »
    Dang dude... that is a killer find. You are my hero :p

    I was a bit freaked. I saw the 'phones, and pulled the wire, and out of a pile of crap came the box with the owners manual taped on top. Wanted to offer more money, but I didn't know if they worked, and no way to test them. Brought them home, hooked them up, and they didn't work. I just about sheeeit. Thought about electrostat speakers, and decided to let them cook for a bit. Got some sound out of them an hour later, and by morning they were damn good. Got back from work and they made my Grado SR80s sound like dog doo, and SR80s are NICE 'phones.

    Mark
    System:

    VPI Scout/Benz Ace
    Sutherland PH2000
    Arcam CD72
    Yamaha DVD-CX1 (primarily for CD..26 lbs, all BB D/A)
    Audioprism Mantissa w/Reference PS
    Parasound HCA750 (temporary)
    Audiovector M1 Signatures
    Kimber 4TC x 2
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited September 2007
    Spacedeckman wrote: »
    I was a bit freaked. I saw the 'phones, and pulled the wire, and out of a pile of crap came the box with the owners manual taped on top. Wanted to offer more money, but I didn't know if they worked, and no way to test them. Brought them home, hooked them up, and they didn't work. I just about sheeeit. Thought about electrostat speakers, and decided to let them cook for a bit. Got some sound out of them an hour later, and by morning they were damn good. Got back from work and they made my Grado SR80s sound like dog doo, and SR80s are NICE 'phones.

    Mark

    right on... so what would the value of those phones with the driver box be? I just like knowing this stuff.. :cool:
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • greg2350
    greg2350 Posts: 544
    edited September 2007
    free pair of polk RT600 for taking care of a friends dog while he was away in china for four months.

    Denon avr2500 $10 blown fuse replaced fuse works great

    psw404 sub floor model $200
    TV: Philips 42" LCD 1080p
    Front Speakers: Polk Audio RT800i
    Center Speaker: Polk Audio CS1
    Surround Speakers: Polk Audio R50's powered of Denon AVR
    Subwoofer: Polk Audio DSW pro500
    AVR: Denon 3801
    DVD Player: Denon DVM 745 upscale 1080p
    Sat: Directtv HD 10
    Front Speakers Amp: Rotel RB 890
    Center Speaker amp: Rotel 970 BX
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited September 2007
    "The clamp". SACD. Sorbethane Risers.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • 1422
    1422 Posts: 19
    edited September 2007
    New in the boxes RTi10's for $299.00 CAN for 2 yesterday at Future Shop on a clearance sale. They had a total of 3 sets the day before (according to the salesman) but I didn't notice the sale untill I went back into the store the next day and by then there was only 1 set left which I scooped up immediately. Also got a demo set of RTi6's for $89.00. Happy, happy, happy! 1422
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  • JimBRICK
    JimBRICK Posts: 1,543
    edited September 2007
    1422 wrote: »
    New in the boxes RTi10's for $299.00 CAN for 2 yesterday at Future Shop on a clearance sale. They had a total of 3 sets the day before (according to the salesman) but I didn't notice the sale untill I went back into the store the next day and by then there was only 1 set left which I scooped up immediately. Also got a demo set of RTi6's for $89.00. Happy, happy, happy! 1422

    awesome,thats over 1500 bucks worth of speakers retail
    2 CHANNEL
    Speaker - Klipsch Heresy II
    Under construction
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  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited September 2007
    I just picked up my Energy Veritas 2.3s for $700. :D
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  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited September 2007
    danger boy wrote: »
    Over the years i've gotten a few pretty decent deals here and there... not the deals of the century.. but all it all good deals that would have cost me alot more dinero had I not found the deals.

    Latest is my garage sale SDA2A's for $40. Good deal, not in the sale league as say a pair of Carver Amazings or a really beefy amp or TOTL pre amp or turntable.

    But there are still some good deals out there.. but they are few and far between, at least for me they seem to be anyways.

    Gotta disagree w/you here, DB! $40 for a pair of SDA2A's sure looks incredible to me!
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
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  • landry_p2000
    landry_p2000 Posts: 1,313
    edited September 2007
    Svs pb10-isd for $250, and I think it retailed for about $429 on the svs website at the time. Still enjoying it.:D
    Main Set-up: 55" 120 hz Samsung LN55B650, Onkyo TX-SR806, Emotiva XPA-5, Emotiva XPA-2, PS3 Slim, Sony BDP-S560, Apple TV (160g), Panamax M5300-PM, Polk Audio CSi5, RTi10's, FXi3's, RTi4's, and SVS PB12 Plus

    Bedroom: Panasonic 50" S2 Plasma and Panasonic BD65 blu-ray player, Onkyo TX-SR707, Emotiva XPA-3, Emotiva UPA-2, KEF IQ7's, IQc, IQ8Ds, and SVS PB10-ISD
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited September 2007
    yes.. but i reallly only find a good deal about once a year or so.. i'm not complaining about the $40 SDA's. but if I could find more of those deals.. i'd be a happy happy guy.
    selfish i know. ;)
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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