what are your top "audio bargins" in your system history?

First "Audiophile" interconnects taught to me by Stan Warren (the S of PS Audio in the early 80's) at their facility. Three gauges of magnet wire(motor or coil winding wire) in something like 2/2/3 strands, wish I could remember exactly, braided and silver soldered into the cheapest Radio Shack RCA connectors, the ones with little metal wings and no outside insulation. Cost back then, about $1 for 3 ft pair.

We listened to his set on their shop system and compared to the best other cables they had on hand, they were better:) Also go to listen to the original cigar box preamp as well:)

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Later 90's I learned about using Star Quad raw cable and decent but low cost RCA connectors to make dang fine cables for around $10 a pair or less. I have used it for balanced cables as well.

I have no plans to spend more on cables, have plenty of raw cable to make all I will ever need.

Rick

McIntosh C27 pre for $599 including walnut case (used) just before their price started to skyrocket

Advent/1 speakers (pair) for $90 (closeout)

Dual CS 5000 turntable with nearly new Shure V-15 Type 5-MR for $350 (used)

Sherwood S-7600 receiver (1970) with case for $125 (closeout) 

APT Holman preamp in trade for TEAC C-3X cassette deck

Installed 2 dedicated 20 amp circuits for $250, best bang for the buck decision I ever made.

About 1973.  Marantz 105 tuner, $45, brand new, at a Navy Exchange somewhere in the Med.  They had a stack of them that needed to be moved out, and my ship happened to be in port.  Several of my shipmates grabbed one too, after I passed the word.

Still have it and it's working fine!

Lovely Thread, this is news I can use. I like my Mapleshade Speaker Wire, They don't look like much but for the money they out perform everything I have tried in the (lower) price range. I added some cheap bananas and I use them with my SS/ Harbeth 30.1.