Ever Bought an Audio Product that was Stupid Good for the Money?


This is the place to share. Please no shills. 
seanheis1
My Mapletree Audio 2A/SE preamp (6SN7/12SN7, tube rectified, custom gains per input). Upgraded version (Blackgate caps), new, was less than $1k. Have had it for years and have no intention of swapping it out. Terrific value (and sound). The stupidest goodest gear for the money in my setup by far.
The Dragonfly Black USB DAC that I paid something like $98.00 for is amazing. That's value.
"I don't like vinyl (grew up with it). I have never had a good audio system, and I am 60 yr-old medical school professor. "

So Gerry, what component of your listed system is stupid good? You really didn't answer the question. Not that it is important but why is it important to tell us your profession?

To me in my audio life it is a very simple question to answer but it dates back to the  mid 80's, The  Vandersteen 2C speakers for sure. Relative to everything I listened to and compared to at the time, many at multiple times the price, it was and may still likely be among the most "stupid good for the money" products I've ever experienced in this hobby. Timeless value.
Oppo UDP-203 Blu Ray player.
I read the reviews and was wondering - how good could it be? Well - it is. Beautiful sound on CDs and SACDs, not as harsh as my previous middle of the road SONY player. Fast operation and load times on Blu Rays and DVDs. Solid build quality and beautiful very basic design.
A true audiophile performer for $550.