Used equipment may sometimes be a better value, but the most important thing to consider is the proper interface and matching of the sonic signatures of your different components.
During a momentary lapse of reason, I downsized one of my systems from separates to an integrated amp. I purchased both an Audio Refinement Complete and NAD c350 integrated amp. While they both sound ok for the money, I would say the NAD is the better value. I purchased a new, "refurbished" one for less than $400 and it seemed brand new and worked perfectly. It has slightly less overall resolution than the Audio Refinement but it also has a richer midrange and smoother highs that will probably match up better with the Axiom's metal dome tweeters. For a low cost cd player, I think one of the best values at the moment is the Sony DVD-NS500V. It is a dvd player, but you can play cds thru its 2 channel output. It is being discontinued but is available at close out prices of around $150-180. It also plays SACD's, but it's redbook performance was a pleasant surprise given its low cost.
During a momentary lapse of reason, I downsized one of my systems from separates to an integrated amp. I purchased both an Audio Refinement Complete and NAD c350 integrated amp. While they both sound ok for the money, I would say the NAD is the better value. I purchased a new, "refurbished" one for less than $400 and it seemed brand new and worked perfectly. It has slightly less overall resolution than the Audio Refinement but it also has a richer midrange and smoother highs that will probably match up better with the Axiom's metal dome tweeters. For a low cost cd player, I think one of the best values at the moment is the Sony DVD-NS500V. It is a dvd player, but you can play cds thru its 2 channel output. It is being discontinued but is available at close out prices of around $150-180. It also plays SACD's, but it's redbook performance was a pleasant surprise given its low cost.