Is this a bargain?

Someone mentioned that the "pre-owned" sample at LP Gear was sold.

Yes, without looking at the AT website, you have the ART7 and ART9, formally discontinued but still available if you look hard, the ART9Xa and 9Xi, the OC9XL, and the ART20, etc.  All probably more expensive than the AT33, but for a reason.  I like my ART7, especially moreso after it was corrected for zenith error. Every time we go to Tokyo, I am tempted to buy an ART1000, but it is not much cheaper over there than it is here. Also, cleaning the stylus tip would be a bit scary.

How can one dream of the AT33 competing with the AT1000 without having auditioned both? AT make several LOMCs that lie on their product spectrum between the AT33 and the AT1000 in both cost and performance. Of course one is free to prefer the AT33, but with open eyes is best. And I’m sure the AT33 is excellent in its own rite.