I love the sound of vintage 50's Zildjian hats. But i depends - I play jazz, so the most important sounds to me are the chick and the splash. Most - but not all - of the ones I've had I would characterize as 'dark and warm.' Super for brushwork.

I should also add that I prefer very light cymbals.

I buy unheard cymbals fairly often on ebay. Some, of course, I like better than others. But if the price isn't too steep, and you can RETURN them, well, why not?

But that's why I have a basement full of vintage 14s!