As for the used equipment issue, while I agree that there are risks involved in
terms of durability, a lot of people (myself included) have been able to get
more quality for a given amount of dollars by purchasing used equipment.

I am talking specifically about used vacuum tube receivers. These are so old by
now, that they are living on borrowed time, unless they have had a thorough once
over by a competent tech. Finding a competent tech is a total gamble. Recommending
one of these to a non enthusiast is like recommending a '69 Fiat to someone who is
looking at buying a brand new Toyota.