Really Inexpensive Systems That Sounded Great?

My current 2nd system: Ifi Zen Streamer ($300) -> Smsl Do200 ($400) -> Parasound NC 2125 v2 ($600) -> NHT SB3 ($250) = $1550 😊

Carver 500t amp with Carver c2 preamp bought off ebay for $700.00. Klipsch SB3 speakers used on ebay for $165.00. Sony SMP200 player for $36.00 on ebay and a small tv to show the selection from the Sony player for less than $100.00 from goodwill. It sounded great! Around $1000.00 total.

Nothing , at that price point , I just built a second audio system for the Mrs.

it has a Parasound A23+ amplifier shop,around I got a open box $1400, 

AudioGD  demo model $1k very under the radar, 

the very much reviewed Gustard R26, better then my pontus-2/after synergistic purple fuse  local dealer $1600+ fuse, Pangea sig mk2 power cords ,

Wireworld Eclipse xlr Audio cables . Older Klipsch speakers I rebuilt the Xovers 
the Equinox is a lower cost cable option still very good for others on more of a budget.

It sounds like a $10k system all day .having owned a audio store and 40+ years in making system synergy . There are a lot of bargains out there 

My current system. Conrad Johnson PV12 preamp ($500) score!!!!

Super Clef Ribbons ( free!!! ) given to me by the late Bob Gross’s wife from his listening room. Amazing speakers!!!

2 Bryston 3b NPR amplifier that’s bridged to each Clefs ( $500 for the pair )

Kenwood KD500 with Signet XK50 tonearm ( free!!! ) also from Bob Gross personal stash.

The reason I’ve gotten much more free stuff from Bob Gross is that I’ve build new Clefs bookshelf and the TL using all his parts that he had and audio gear he used for shows and sold them  to help Mrs Gross financially.

I’ve built myself a set of his Super Clef and TL and are truly amazing speakers.

Tribbett Stormbox $60 Bluetooth speaker.