So I have an opportunity to acquire a Phase Linear preamp, tuner, cassette deck combo. Now I really don't have a need for them, but they look absolutely stunning, kind of like the old silver Marantz stuff. When I checked audiogon, I saw that the gear is pretty much bargain-basement cheap.

So why is it so cheap? Does it sound particularly bad? Or is it constructed cheaply? Also, if I was going to buy an amp to go along with it, any suggestions? Or should I stay clear of Phase Linear altogether?