Given that you will upgrade the HD, either new or used should be fine. The used sled is likely to have a few cut wires, which is fine. I purchase my first empeg (40GB) for about US$1,900., which I thought was reasonable given "the joy" I have received from the unit. When Rio made the mistake of discontinuing the empeg (i.e., Rio Car), they initially blew-out inventory at $199, then $299; well below their cost. I actually value these units more than their current selling prices, but given the current market, $400 to $450 might be reasonable for a new unit, and $50-75 less for a used. You might also consider picking up PCA's tuner kit, as these are fairly rare (compared to the number of empegs sold), and will again be difficult to source second hand once PCA sells-out his remaining few units.
- Sean