My sympathies for the loss.
What do you have? It sounds like you have an amp and cables; are you looking for a preamp and speakers? Also, what are you trading out?
I built him a PC and provided all the parts for it and I purchased the Squeezebox to use as a front end. The cables were donated as was an amp, but the amp is only working through the right channel and its currently being looked at to see if it can be fixed for cheap. Honestly I dont think a preamp will needed because the Squeezebox has volume capabilities and he can use a remote so that its not a hassle for him since he has trouble getting around. I was told that I should have the squeezebox modifed or purchase an external DAC but I wasnt able to negotiate a trade with any for those services and I even contacted Vinny at redwine audio but hes a new business owner and understandably isnt able to do his work for cheap. So we might need an amp (depends on the cost to repair this one), might need a dac and might need some speakers (A guy in the local classifieds has some Thiel 3.5's for sale for $798 and Im going to contact him today and see if I can work something out).
I am trading out every extra piece of PC equipment that I have left which is:
1. 512MB (2 X 256) - GEIL PC3500 DDR RAM
2. DVD+RW (support -R -RW and +R also)
3. 200GB HD (still sealed in the box)
4. HP Laserjet 4050TN Laserprinter (This thing is worth $400-$500 but weighs a TON).
5. MS Multimedia Keyboard (New in box)
6. 2.2GB USB Flash Drive (Link =
http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&productId=124986 )
7. 100 Blank DVD+R (New sealed in 2 X 50 pack)
8. M-Audio Audiophile 2496 Soundcard (Used but have retail box)
9. M-Audio 7.1 Soundcard (OEM Card only)
10. Linksys Broadband Router (BEFSR41)
11. Netgear 8-port Switch
While this isnt much it should help out with getting the missing pieces and I do have SOME money to spend if I can work out a deal. I figure if nothing comes up then Ill ebay it all and see what kind of cash deals I can work out.
BTW, in cases like this, it's good to be able to point people to an article in an online newspaper, describing the accident (so they know you aren't scamming). And, it's sometimes useful to have the gifts given "through" a local church, so the contributor can get an uncontested tax write off for the charity he's providing. That helps busi ...
I had a guy suggest that I open a paypal account up for people who wanted to give donations but I refused because of the exact thing you mention here. Rather than turn it into an issue of truthfullness I stated that we werent looking for donations but rather for trades and this is also why I didnt want to bring this public if at all possible.
Ive contacted a few people privately who have some stuff for sale in the AC classifieds and tried to bargain or trade my way into a few things but I havent had much luck. I recently sold my pair of VMPS 626r's (since you are a VMPS owner, mine were purchased from Wayne at Bolder Cable and he would be able to confirm that) through the AC classifieds to an AC member in order to start funding my HT setup so I hope that maybe Ill have some sort of credibility. I just returned from vacation and started this project last week on a whim as a surprise birthday gift and it ended up costing more money than I anticipated.
As for the insurance and lawsuit discussion.. its not worth talking about because all I do is get upset. The driver claims he had insurance but his company claims it was expired and "supposedly" he is trying to file something with his insurance company. According to the driver he has no assests, no money, and no property, so suing him would result in nothing.
