I do want a remote.
If the sound quality was such a huge step up I'd consider not having one.

Hate LEDs. Especially the ones that burn your eyes out.
Can't seem to avoid them so I cover all of them with black card.
Having black kit makes them almost invisible.

I prefer the kit to be as inconspicuous as possible. Want to listen
Black kit on black racks behind a black curtain would be fine

x 2

I need a remote, it’s so frustrating not having one.

Because it's mainly s/h I buy condition is a deal breaker - to me kit has to look like it's been looked after. It's not too much to ask.

I prefer to buy british and hopefully save on delivery miles / cost to the planet.

Also i like to support small manufacturers like Avondale Audio, NVA if possible. You get to speak to the designer.

I like zero frills, no nonsense product which is well built and designed to last.

Marketing nonsense is now one of my pet hates.

All of these things are deal breakers for me to varying degrees. 

I want as simple as poss. Less to go wrong. If i cant find what i want i'll just make it instead.
Dont really care where the bits come from.
The only bit im picky about is the turntable, i wouldnt buy anything with a box plinth as I think there are flaws in that approach.
Cart, i want something with an ml, shibata, fg stylus, i wont put up with end of side distortion and have found that these type of profiles are best for me personally .
Arms, i want something engineered properly thats as long as I can get away with, no short linn pattern arms. I think they are too short for me.
No stupid counterweights, something simple.
low slung bearings that sit at stylus height, i have found that this eliminates warp wow as far as it can be and something snaps into place: eg mission 774, at1100, roksan tabriz, they do something that sounds more natural to me.
I built an arm specifically to find out what difference this made and could adjust the bearing height on. It made a huge difference to me. But then im odd and went that far with it to find out.

Cd, somthing that has abit of soul, file based, couldn't care less as long as it works.

Amp, simple as poss either valve or sand

Speakers, something that works with the room that is neutral. Dont want impressive, i want something that just plays.

The deal breaker? Something marketed agressively, and that is easily available second hand. If people want to sell it, they dont want to keep it. What does that say about it?

Condition is an interesting thing because it seems to be influenced by brand. Linn electonics are often badly treated. Lots of big long scratches across the tops where cables have been carelessly dragged. Naim amps almost always immaculate. Rega decks always seem to have scratched lids. Linn hardly ever. Linn kan/Sara almost always near mint. Naim speakers usually tatty.

I tend to think less of someone if they don't treat items with respect and care. Everything that leaves me, does so looking perfect or at least better than it came to me.