Many thanks to SWLing Post reader, Ivan, who writes:
[U]niversal radio has a used NRD 525 for $699.
If I had the time to use it I would have picked it up already. These are so hard to come by and represent the best of the shortwave listening era.
I’ve never owned a JRC NRD-525, but I’ve heard good comments about the radio and its performance. The NRD-525 can be found in Universal Radio’s Used Radio List. No photo of the actual unit has been provided, but the condition is listed as “good.” Universal Radio is a trustworthy retailer, so used equipment can be purchase with confidence. Indeed, all of their used equipment (save items marked “as-is”) come with a 60 day limited warranty.