I would always buy new. Vintage can mean lots of problems and lots of money to repair. Besides, vintage is thrown around way too easily here.
Would you spend you money on modest brand new car or rather buy top notch vintage one?
No, this discussion is not about cars, however it's by comparison related to audiophiles. As I see it, most audiophiles don't have the means of affording the top notch, new, improved (maybe), audio gears. So, would you buy moderately priced new or rather buy top notch used equipment for the same money?