Here is a great post from the increasingly great Analog Industries blog about the clever way to buy vintage audio gear: You buy the modules ripped out of old recording consoles, then mount them in racks from Vintage City. He managed to put together a very high-end EQ for $400. The real trick is to use eBay Germany (because it's cheaper, and has cooler stuff than US or UK) and to be really patient when you're waiting for your bargains to come along. The only thing he doesn't mention is that PayPal is pretty rare in Germany (due to a slightly different credit card system, I think), so you often have to pay by bank transfer. Still, they seem like a trustworthy bunch. PS: While you're at Analog Industries, check out the awesome comic-book style GUI for DubStation, their new delay plugin (scroll down when you get there).