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


It is great to have all the money you need to have the best and endless upgrading.  But what about the components you've had that were inexpensive that turned out to be favorites of yours?

jusam

Thorens TD150 mkII turntable - a gift when my brother was cleaning out his garage.

AR turntable - bought used for $50 in 1980

Wharfedale Diamond 12.0 bookshelf speakers - the overall capability of these speakers would have been unheard of at this price point only a few years ago.

Chord QuteHD dac - bought used, when combined with MCRU linear power supply, this is the biggest single performance/price bargain I’ve found yet.

 

no one ever gifted me anything nor I inherited a penny. It looks like money goes to money - in hifi as well 

The following bargains were found at thrift stores or garage sales:

Marantz 2235B receiver, $10

Pioneer SA-1000 integrated amplifier, $10

Soundcraftsmen 2640TX speaker, $6

Technics SL-1200M3D turntable, $12

Pioneer HPM-100 speakers (near mint pair), $125

TARA Labs Space and Time speaker cables (two 8-feet pairs), $8

I have other cheap finds,  but these stand out.

 

 

The 1986 classic Croft Micro phono preamp for £150. Blew away a stack of Naim gear. Rolled in some Dynaco Telefunken 12AX7s and a Brimar black plate CV5042 and it drove my system for years.