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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.

2psyop
gsm18439
895 posts
 
Spica TC-50 speakers. Audio Refinement electronics. 
imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,227 posts
 
Denon DL103
Revel Concerta F12
 
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Pioneer PLX1000 TT with a Denon 103R. Sounds as good as multi-kilobuck TT's and cartridges!
lohanimal
659 posts
 
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO DACMAGIC - a great upgrade to a cheap CD player and a versatile component to boot.
wtf's avatar
wtf
307 posts
 
If we keep it under $1000/component:

APPJ PA0901A ($189) - this miniature SET integrated amp (3.5 wpc) is a marvel at it's price point. Price/performance is off the charts.

Bluesound Node 2 ($499) - this streamer does so much right it supplanted my well-appointed Mac mini. I don't miss the endless rounds of Apple updates breaking something.

Omega Super 3i Monitors ($695) - what more can be said about these single-driver speakers that hasn't already been said? The high sensitivity (94.5) makes for a nice match with low-powered tube amps. An absolute steal at this price.

This is the core of my current system and I'm as happy with the sound quality as I've ever been. Amazing what can be had for so little cash these days.

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