Even if you do want FM, tuners are cheap ($5-$10) and readily available.@Ikura
Don't overlook integrated amps, depending upon how important FM is to you. Integrated amps have fewer parts and fewer potential places where things can go wrong in older gear. And there are plenty of integrated amps floating around in the used market, just like there are receivers.
Doctors take patients, finding deals on Craigslist takes patience.
Oh, if I had any luck up here at GW. LOL I have two near me. The only thing I have picked from there is a set of cerwin vega speakers that someone else probably passed on. I read all those posts where someone picked up something for 6.00 or 10.00 and wish I could bump into that luck for a receiver. Now I have only been visiting GW regularly for a year now so I dont have nearly the time others have put into this search. Yet I keep going back, one day...one day.I don't know if anyone has said so yet, but you're in "pickup only" territory. I would go to good will or your favorite thrift armed with a source (iphone, portable CD or whatever other stereo player) and if possible, a pair of small speakers.
I don't take the stuff with me into the store as they often have speakers, a CD or DVD player and CDs I can use, but it's good to be prepared. If you see something you like, hook it up and test it to make sure it works. All sales are final, so if anyone give you guff, you tell them you're not going to throw away money on non-working garbage and your donation will go to a better managed charity. So far, no one has ever complained that I want to set up equipment to test it.
That way you will get a good receiver for way under $100 usually. But as you can see, it takes time and work. Also, don't think you have to have a silver face. Plenty of BPC sounds great and is a great way to start.
Good luck!
Oh, if I had any luck up here at GW. LOL I have two near me. The only thing I have picked from there is a set of cerwin vega speakers that someone else probably passed on. I read all those posts where someone picked up something for 6.00 or 10.00 and wish I could bump into that luck for a receiver. Now I have only been visiting GW regularly for a year now so I dont have nearly the time others have put into this search. Yet I keep going back, one day...one day.
Are estate sales like garage sales? I have never been to one around here. Though I see here is an app for them. So of course there is on around here this weekend and I cannot make it. How is the pricing at these things? Do they sell high early or price things to move right away? How early do you need to show up for a 9am start time for example? Sorry for the questions, I agree the hunt is exciting...I found a pic of the electronics there, can't make out names, don't know enough to tell by design...I see it as a fun treasure hunt, so it's not a chore and when you get get lucky and find something it's great! But don't forget to increase your chances by trolling estate sales and flea markets as well. CL works too, but beware the crazy people.
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Are estate sales like garage sales? I have never been to one around here. Though I see here is an app for them. So of course there is on around here this weekend and I cannot make it. How is the pricing at these things? Do they sell high early or price things to move right away? How early do you need to show up for a 9am start time for example? Sorry for the questions, I agree the hunt is exciting...I found a pic of the electronics there, can't make out names, don't know enough to tell by design...
keep well inside your budget (in case purchases fail as you have seen, you make better decisions with more to spend)
get low-end stuff and replace them with better-sounding stuff (goal; training your ears)
avoid buying stuff on looks/branding/street-creds - it's your ears/music/ownership not a fraternity pledge/ secret society initiation
go for reliable until you want to learn to fix
the reliability thing is the one key point, I buy lots off CL and eBay.
and technician checked-out, tested, gone over by an EE
all means nothing - perhaps an inside joke.
there are so many stories here on CL about serviced units being poorly fixed, hacked
and even incorrectly "touched".