There was a Fostex G16S w/dolby S on ebay for $750. They use to sell for $5000. We use to have one years ago. They sound great..Very round and the Dolby S is quiet.
I just wish they were balanced I/O. I would have picked it up if it was.
I paid $900 for mine last year. It included the remote, 2 snakes, and was fresh out of the shop serviced and biased for Quantegy 456. I haven't had any problems with it to date and like the machine a bunch. I think that you may want to find a machine that is in great shape with a clean bill of health and not worry about the price too much. Only my $.02, DAve.