I know. What the heck is wrong with me. (my wife asks me at least once daily)
The SX-1980 is the "ludicrous" option, and priced accordingly. I think it's cool looking, with the larger meters, but I think it's getting into "gaudy" territory. And they are over five grand.
I honestly think the 1280 is the sweet spot at the upper end. Real wood veneer, shielded tuner components, plenty of power, variable cartridge loading (!), it's a great looking piece.
(file photo)
So, I tracked one down in CA. Lives with a tech, who will go through it and replace only what is needed, and set it up ready to go. Not a "full re-cap" job, which I think is generally unnecessary most of the time. Not really advertised on the open market, so probably not going anywhere unless I buy it.
Price: $3,800 (or so) shipped to me. That's not an insignificant amount of money, but very low compared to the blue book, er, eBay pricing currently.
There is one here in CT for $4,375 that has been totally gone through (although the main filter caps are still black, so I question what exactly was done) Take away fees and the seller would net a bit over $3500.00 This might be a reasonable option- meet in person to avoid shipping damage and pay ca$h for the best possible deal. That's not an insignificant amount of money either. (but it has the original box and papers, which I like!)
Just thinking out loud I guess. If anyone knows of another not on the open market, for a more affordable price, my ears are open!
Feel free to try and talk some sense into me as well...
The SX-1980 is the "ludicrous" option, and priced accordingly. I think it's cool looking, with the larger meters, but I think it's getting into "gaudy" territory. And they are over five grand.
I honestly think the 1280 is the sweet spot at the upper end. Real wood veneer, shielded tuner components, plenty of power, variable cartridge loading (!), it's a great looking piece.
(file photo)
So, I tracked one down in CA. Lives with a tech, who will go through it and replace only what is needed, and set it up ready to go. Not a "full re-cap" job, which I think is generally unnecessary most of the time. Not really advertised on the open market, so probably not going anywhere unless I buy it.
Price: $3,800 (or so) shipped to me. That's not an insignificant amount of money, but very low compared to the blue book, er, eBay pricing currently.
There is one here in CT for $4,375 that has been totally gone through (although the main filter caps are still black, so I question what exactly was done) Take away fees and the seller would net a bit over $3500.00 This might be a reasonable option- meet in person to avoid shipping damage and pay ca$h for the best possible deal. That's not an insignificant amount of money either. (but it has the original box and papers, which I like!)
Just thinking out loud I guess. If anyone knows of another not on the open market, for a more affordable price, my ears are open!
Feel free to try and talk some sense into me as well...