Dhpeck, I have no problem purchasing used equipment and do so often. I generally like the components to be less than 10 years old, thinking this provides greatest usage time and thus return on investment.
Now I must admit that have limited exposure to many of the available amplifiers of the time period under discussion, therefore my opinion is suspect. However, I have a hard time believing that an preamp, amp, or integrated costing 'X" today will out-perform one costing 2-3X made 10-15 years ago? ( Class D amps may be an exception.) I believe the coefficient to X to be valid referring to new vs used pricing on components of that age. One must also remember that 'X' today is worth less than that of years past.
Now I must admit that have limited exposure to many of the available amplifiers of the time period under discussion, therefore my opinion is suspect. However, I have a hard time believing that an preamp, amp, or integrated costing 'X" today will out-perform one costing 2-3X made 10-15 years ago? ( Class D amps may be an exception.) I believe the coefficient to X to be valid referring to new vs used pricing on components of that age. One must also remember that 'X' today is worth less than that of years past.