Well I wouldn't pay that much
If it has a brand new soundsmith cartridge and is in mint condition then I may just be tempted to pay half of that price - white or not!
I think the 8000 compares quite well to the 4002/4 and seems to suffer from just as many foibles due to aging capacitors etc.... The sound is a little lighter which is probably due to the series of cartridge fitted but preferrance will depend on what type of music you plan to play through it.
Chris.
The use of metaphors should be avoided like the plague. They're like a red rag to a bull to me.