Vote

Bah, humbug!

McIntosh MCD201 SACD/CD player for $599 in great shape.

I'm sorry to say, none—even though the prevailing market conditions should mean there should be many. Greed.

I figure I got cash, most people don't, so I'll wait a couple of weeks and see what happens— I think we'll see lower prices yet. My wife and I can wait until after Christmas.

I found some great deals on tickets for the opera and the symphony.

Two Definitive Audio BP10Bs, two BP2Xs, a CLR2000, a Denon AVR-5600, a DCM-560, and a DVD-1500 all for $625.

Not necessarily a bargain, but I did find a retailer who was willing to provide "same as cash" financing for Audio Research products (and others). I got an ARC integrated VSi60, which is something I'd likely never have enough actual cash for, and I can pay it off over 12 months. I was happy and surprised to see a high-end retailer offer such financing.

It's dangerous out there.

Fine audio is rarely, if ever, a bargain.

The Beatles Stereo Box for $100.

AV123 had their ELT Bookshelves at a more realistic price than ever before.

Emotiva CD player, the best $319 I've spent in years.

Holiday shopping? Bah, humbug!

A Z series Sony Bravia, 52". The visual factor it introduces to film; well. More whatever for the buck than anything else I could upgrade to/from for the same dollars. I'd love to buy a P3 TPS combo; but my P1 is fine. Maybe a new needle as a consolation toy.

The so-called "good" stuff is never on sale—unless it's being discontinued.

There are lots of bargains (Sonus Faber at big discount, JMLab and Rockport at half price). All this is good, but I don't know if it's a good sign.

Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH receiver at Amazon for $469.

Staying home playing records beats the hell out of being in that fools' crowd. No shopping 'til next year, except for food.

The Beatles Stereo Box Set for $99.99 from amazon.com.

I don't bother with stores the weekend after Thanksgiving, so no audio bargains for me.

I picked up a Ray Samuels Hornet headphone amp on Audiogon. Used yes, discounted yes—one-third off for used.

I promised myself I wouldn't spend any money on me this Xmas. What a liar. So far, $480 on records and counting. Now, if I can only find a certain Eberhard Weber album, I'll stop. No really, I mean it. Please stop laughing at me, I can stop any time I want. Sure I can!

Musical Fidelity V-DAC

I won't even try during the holidays—too much hassle & hustle. But, for those who don't agree, happy shopping, happy holidays, and happy new year to all.

I am a high-power (close to pure hi-fi) audiophile—by that definition, I purchased a Lab Gruppen FP4000s Power Amp for a price that I'm too conservative to mention. My audio chain starts with FLAC files, then to a pro audio sound card (Digi-design D/A converter) through balanced cables to my power amp then through 12ga speaker wire, and finally to some very sensitive high-SPL loudspeakers.

I got a preamp at a good price.

I did wonder about the quality of the audio bargains I saw.

Denon DVD-2930CI new for $170, including shipping, thanks to Vanns.com.

Stereophile used the word "bargain." I think I'll have a drink!

David Gilmour's Live In Gdansk 2CD/DVD set for $23.99 at Amazon.com—one-third the price of the vinyl version. Sorry Mikey, but we are in a recession, and I already have the On an Island LP.