My first audiophile speaker was a pair of Magnepan SMGa's from around 1985 for $495. I had those speakers for about ten years through the last years of college, my first job and my move from Chicago to Northern California. A very nice entry level speaker provided you feed them with enough clean power. While I've moved away from Planars and other low efficient speakers I still have a soft spot in my heart for the small maggies. They were my introduction to good sound at a price a college student could afford. I am so glad that Magnepan continues to offer the SMG's successor (MMG) for the value price of $599. Good values still exist out there.
Another survey - Best bargain you ever got
I purchased the following mid 1970's equipment for $400 back in 1997. All items were in mint condition complete with owners manuals and receipts This system cost over $6,000 in the mid 1970’s. Technics 1200 MK2 Turntable and power supply with granite base (serial number 6). Exteremely rare ESS Transar Speaker system complete with multiple necessary cables and equipment. Luxman Power Amp customed at Luxman with before and after specs (high power with massive caps), Luxman pre-amp customed at Luxman with before and after specs (toggle switch construction), Luxman eq customed at Luxman with before and after specs (toggle switch construction). OH yeah It also came with 50 mint albums. This deal was a once in a lifetime purchase.