The only way to know if its a good fit is to hear it in person. Sound files give an idea, but aren't always accurate.....lots of variables....room size and construction, microphone placement and type/quality, type of stick used to play it for the recording, the way the person recording it plays it, etc. I've never had much luck buying Zildjian cymbals off of ebay, or any online box type store either.....they may be in good shape, or be a good deal, or may sound great in a sound file, but when yu get it, it may not fit with your current cymbals. Paiste cymbals seem to be more consistant than Zildjians as far as from one cymbal to another. If I was to buy any cymbal online without a sound clip it would be Paiste......they strive to make every cymbal that goes out their door to sound the same as the first one (as far as size weight and type goes). That said, I'm not a huge fan of Paiste, but they have their following. The key to finding a cymbal to fit with your current set is to bring them with you when you are selecting a new one. Personally, I'd go for the Armand series over the vintage ones.....you might have to go through a pile of the vintage ones until you find the one you are looking for, which is harder to do since vintage A's are starting to become quite coveted now. Some are real clankers and some are real sweet......like the saying goes, one mans trash is anothers treasure. Armands are the closest you will get to those old cymbals and get this....you get a warranty on it too!
