Barring the not-yet-implemented LDDb Shop player listings, what is the best way to obtain a MUSE-capable LD player in working order, for a person in the United States? Use your own definition for "best" — cheapest, most straightforward, most reliable, &c.

I've been watching eBay, & there's been a real dearth of them laterly. I'm still irritated at myself for not grabbing one of the two HIL-C2EX units which came up about a year ago, & went for about $300 each. One of them even had a decoder with it, & although I have one (MST-2000), I'd prefer to have more, especially of different models.

Japanese online shops, Japanese Yahoo Auctions is where I would look if money is a sensitive issue.
Use a middle-man service in japan to purchase the player for you.

If money is not the issue but rather TRUSTWORTHY RELIABLE SERVICE, I'd ask n$a about available players

I've got mine from n$a.
I'd say it's the only 110% reliable source for working Muse Players.

Mine is a 2002 HLD-X9 (with new Pionneer Logo)

Maybe a little expensive, but if you have a technical question or
if something goes wrong, he'll be here to help. So in the end, it's worth it.

A scan through Yahoo Japan turns up a few X0s & X9s, in the JPY 200 000 range, but no other Hi-Vision machines. It's kind of a surprise — I wonder where the Sonys, Panasonics, &c have gone. (I did note an HDL-2000 going for a decent price, but the shipping would be prohibitive.) I know he's reliable, & I know what they say about wishing you had, but I doubt I can pay Signor Santini's prices. I have a tighter budget than some people.

Honestly, I'd like to find one in the US if I can, but either they aren't coming up for sale, or I just don't know where to look.