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What is your favorite budget audio component?

Just wondering for the sake of curiosity and general sharing and education among audiophiles, “What is your favorite budget audio component?” And as a bonus, “Why do you consider it budget and why is it good?” 
Since budget might be relative, I would say audio gear like MBL, Wilson MAXX speakers or anything ultra high end should not be considered.

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alaric62
80 posts
 
My favorite budget amp is currently the Cambridge Audio Topaz AM5 and it was a steal at $100 on sale. Very musical, more detail than $200 should buy (regular price), good construction. The sonic character is similar to my Marantz PM 7200.
celtic66
1,673 posts
 
NAD 3020A integrated.  Remarkably solid performer within limits, no tone controls, 20wpc of solid current, preamp-out/power-in for versatility.  The preamp and phono are astonishingly good for the level.  Power amp able to drive down to 2 ohms.

A simple cheap upgrade was to use quality short IC patches to bridge the preamp-out/power-in.  As a stand alone preamp/phono connected to bad-ass mono blocks it was truly frightening.  Lovely design.
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