Synergy with affordable components = class a+

We often read about or hear the boulders, lamms, aesthetix's(try pronouncing that one), magicos, mbl's, dartzeels, walkers, galibiers, continuum etc. etc.
Even if I could afford them, would I pass up on all the little guys that give us a big bang for the buck?
I am quite astonished with what I obtained! Therefore I thought of starting this thread that would include reasonably priced systems that make us feel like we are approaching that stratospherical class of equipment that cost as much as traveling around the world to dine in all the finest restaurants in the swiss alps, Japan, Paris, Nice, Italian riviera,Quebec City!!!, Buenos Aires, Lyon, Barcelona, Brussels, Vancouver, Tokyo, St. Petersburg, Vienna(for the concerts especially) Roma, London? --- or as much as a home, though I would rather travel and make the world my habitat.
So I got something IMHO that works nicely.
Speakers: Merlin VSM. Amp & Pre: Simaudio. Phono: Ear 834p (Modified). Cartridge:Sumiko Blackbird. Tonearm:Graham 2.2. Turntable:VPI TNT (Modified). Cables: Assortment includes Cardas, Signal Cable, Anti-Cables. Room extensively treated. Hearing Heh! cared for with supplementation.
And if anything made a big difference don't hesitate to share.
I found improving the source made the biggest difference!