Originally Posted by
Thumper
They ARE built like tanks. In fact, if you dropped one on a tank, you would kill the tank. :) Take care of a set of 1200s and they will probably outlast you. Of course, now that they are no longer in production there is a question of parts availability, although I think it will be a few years yet before that becomes an issue.
Another option for higher end gear is to keep an eye on places like Juno. In the last year I've bought a MOTU interface and an Elektron Analog 4 from them as B-stock. Saved a pile on both, they are both virtually new (Still in boxes with all the software, cables etc,) and come with the relevant guarantees and warranties. It's the best of both worlds really. The only drawback is that you kind of have to be ready to pull the trigger if you see something you want. They are, by their nature, limited and they go fast.