Question about Used B&W's

[natelam]

Hi everyone, I'm quite new to B&W but I know of their quality and want a part of the action!

Here's my question: I have the opportunity to pick up 5.1 set of the following:

Year 1997:
2x 602 S1
2x 601 S1 w/ Stands
CC6 Center Channel
AS6 Subwoofer

I've been offered to buy the package in excellent condition for $800. Here's my dilemma.

1) Is it worth it? Retail for the package in 1997 was somewhere around $1500. What would you pay for them 8 years later?
2) How do the S1's compare to the S2 or S3? I know that they lack the new Nautilus tweeters, but they still have Kevlar cones.
3) Heard the AS6 was B&W's big mistake...why?

Finally, from those of you who have owned this setup (or parts of it) in the past...

Will I be happy with it? I'm a 21 year old student/audiophile who just wants pure sound on a limited budget. I'll most likely be matching these speakers with an A/V reciever like a Denon 1804, H/K 230 or Marantz SR4500 for all around use (movies and music and occasional live music). I don't care that they don't have looks or the latest features, I just want to know, for the price, am I going to be satisfied? Your opinions and input is greatly appreciated.

-Nate

[BlazeMaster]

I think you should either wait around for a some S3 used or save up and get the S3 brand new from a authorized dealer. I was on a budget also, and I wanted them brand new so I basically got them one at a time. Sure you won't be able to enjoy full 5.1 right away, but you get to watch your system grow and you get to have a better quality setup. I picked up the receiver first, got a pair of 601s, then the LCR600, the SVS PCi20-39 and about to pick up the 600s tomorrow. I bought the 601s back in July, I know it's 3 months ago, but it's because I just moved into a new place with the deposit and first month's rent, my system got a little delay. I would of had the whole setup in 2 months if it wasn't for the newer apartment.
Overall, I'm very happy with the system for movies, but I think the 600s are still aren't exactly audiophile music speakers. My dealer lets me trade them in for upgrades, so I'll save up for the 800s bookshelves upgrade in June.
I dunno, maybe it's just me, speakers that are 8 years old for that kinda money is just not something I'd go for. good luck.