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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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2channel8
758 posts
 
Genesis Physics Model 7s - $75 new for Hwu Powell tweeters!!!
Emotiva XPS-1 phono pre - $85 used. It was sweet for the money.
Oppo DV-980h - $83.45 used. Introduced me to DACS, HDCD, & DVD-A
Canton Ergo 1002DC towers - $800 used.

wtf's avatar
wtf
307 posts
 
+1 on the MMGs and the Schiit gear. My headphone rig is a Schiit stack consisting of the Asgard 2, Bifrost Multibit, and the new Loki. All budget-friendly bargains.
jond's avatar
jond
5,857 posts
 
My Auralic Aries Mini, $500 used I paid about $100 less for a perfect demo model and it opens up a whole world of music to me.
ethiessen1's avatar
ethiessen1
61 posts
 
gsm18439653 posts11-29-2017 12:46amSpica TC-50 speakers.
+1
dynaquest4's avatar
dynaquest4
445 posts
 
Watch out for blindjim and his audio trinkets.  Cheap but they accomplish nothing.  He must be a dealer.

Budget?  That varies according to disposible income, audio interest and other factors.  But for VALUE (which is quality divided by price), the industry loves Emotiva.  Clearly the best bang for the buck in that price range.
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