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Best surprisingly good value component

Like many of you, I try many components, liking many of them, before settling on one for the final system component (thank God for Audiogon, and buying and selling used gear). Many times I am shocked that the biggest name, and most expensive doesn't sound the best in my system.

I tried many (11) DAC's before settling on the Bryston that I had in my system for a long time. I have had many, many subs, and even more phono stages, both tubed and SS.

So my question is what is the component you have in your system now that is the "best bargain". In other words probably much below the cost of the other components, but you just can't get rid of it because it sounds so good?

For me it's easy: PS Audio GCPH Phono Stage modded by Parts Connexion (sold mostly by Underwood). I bought this as I tried to find the best sub $5k phono stage I could get, and never found one that bettered this to my ear. I don't know that everyone would have this experience, but with my set up, I have yet to find a better phono stage.

I recently went to a higher output cartridge, and tried to go back to the phono stage on my Cary SLP98p F-1 that I have always loved, and found that the Modded PS Audio bests it in all ways by a mile.

Let's hear what your best "bargain" gear is?

I
macdadtexas
mateored
258 posts
 
I'll second the Meadowlark Kestrels. I've had a pair of Hot Rods since they were new. Used to be in my living room and now in my office. They have such a beautiful, smooth, open sound with precise imaging. I've listened to many more expensive speakers, but few sound as good to me. One thing -- they are weak on slamming hard rock and dance beats. For acoustic, vocals, jazz and most quieter rock, they are fantastic.
unsound
7,315 posts
 
I'm still find it somewhat amazing that I'd have to spend at least 4 X more to get comparable performance to a pair of used Thiel 3.5's.
macdadtexas OP
1,794 posts
 
I'm going to add the ridicoulously good Def Tech Supercube1 to this list as well.

I paid $700 for a sub that, once set up correctly, which did take more than a few hours, has performed every bit as well or better than subs I have owned which cost me 5x of this price.

Great sub for music, fast, deep and flexible.

Kudos again to Def Tech one of the best value companies in audio.
glenfihi
525 posts
 
The new Daber audio monitor 3 speakers, they give my VSA a real run for the money for way less, That and my McIntosh MA 6600, it is so awesome that despite the relative high cost, it seems worth every penny and more. Both real keepers.
55dok
162 posts
 
Luxman R117 receiver bought used for less than $300 runs my maggies almost as well as my threshold. Silent audio (seem to be out of business) Apollo interconnects at $50/pair out performed many ICs costing 5 times as much.
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