Currently there are a lot of SSL modules for sale on Ebay.
I just bought ;
-a 501 micpre for just 67 gbp, I never saw them go for this little money. I paid 300 euro for my first 501 !.
-a 542 eq for just 56 gbp. Also an absolute bottomprice (For my other pair of 542's I paid 250 USD each).
-an SL520 busscompressor for 194 gbp. (this is an enhanced version of the 4000 busscompressor). My other 520 was already cheap, 275 gbp.
In case you're looking for modules, now it's the time top buy some. Nobody seems to have the cash to buy things right now !
http://shop.ebay.com/mediaplusbroadcast/m.html?_nkw=solid&_sacat=0&_odkw=&_osacat=0&bkBtn=&_trksid=p3911.m270.l1313
Just to let you know what these modules could be used for :
-SL 520... Well. Introduction probably not needed, right ? Busscompressor. With a limiter added.
-The SL 552 is a stereo Independant Main Output module. Its stereo line amplifier is exactly the same as the programm output.
It also contains a pair of double, thermocoupled 2151 VCA's. (so, add a GSSL sidechain to this, and you have an SSL summingbox with a Busscompressor in one.)
Add a passive summingnetwork like the Neumann V475 uses, using 10k resistors, and it can easily sum lots of channels. . The summing is done by 2 MAT02's by the way (although LM394's are used in some as well). It also has balanced inserts (post summing, pre VCA), and of course balanced outputs...
I have built a summingbox with a 552 once, and it sounds great. The guy that owns this machine right now, says he can't mix without it anymore.
-The 522 is a stereo Equaliser. Same as the 502 (which is a brownknob eq), but with 3 bands instead of 4.
-507 is a mono panning buss. not that interesting. 1x DBX 202XTC VCA, but this isn't worth 40 gbp.
-527 is a stereo panning buss. It contains a "wide" button which does something with the phase, which works decently. But this also caused some legal issues regarding copyright, so, as far as I know, they weren't allowed to continue using this type of circuit. This module also contains a stereo balanced insert (not sure if it's pre or post VCA though...), and, just like the 552 module, 2x2 2151 VCAs, which can be used for compression if you add a GSSL board to it, with just the sidechainpart stuffed). The inputs of this module could be unbalanced, I can't remember. I'd have to check the schemos.
-that SL555 module contains the talkbackcompressor, without the inputtransformer though. It has a line input however.
-the 551 module is actually a remote switcher. It doesn't run audio, so, it's not useful to us DIYers.
Well, Just to let you know. In case you have questions regarding other 5000 series modules, don't hesitate to ask.
By the way, a contact of mine in Uruguay is parting out a 5000 filmconsole. He probably hasn't got any eq's or SL501 pres left anymore, but there are quite some modules left that can be modified into summingamps and micpres (similar to the 9k pre). I'll let you know when I know what's available, and what can be done with it.