Due to the way I build my audio component collection (frugal & patient) most of it is stupid good for the money.
But two components stuck out as Surprisingly Stupid Good. One was a Denon DVD9000 (~$3000 msrp new - $300 to me used); I couldn't believe the sound improvement over my other reasonably high end Sony on regular CDs.
The second was a Music Hall 9.1 turntable with its' stock Goldring Eroica LX mc cartridge ($1000 to me). I was utterly blown away by the improvement over my aging Thorens and Technics.
And then there's my speakers which are a variety from the defunct Meadowlark Audio co. There's loads of better speakers but I don't believe many could be had for what I paid for these that sound more satisfying (to me at least).
Mike
But two components stuck out as Surprisingly Stupid Good. One was a Denon DVD9000 (~$3000 msrp new - $300 to me used); I couldn't believe the sound improvement over my other reasonably high end Sony on regular CDs.
The second was a Music Hall 9.1 turntable with its' stock Goldring Eroica LX mc cartridge ($1000 to me). I was utterly blown away by the improvement over my aging Thorens and Technics.
And then there's my speakers which are a variety from the defunct Meadowlark Audio co. There's loads of better speakers but I don't believe many could be had for what I paid for these that sound more satisfying (to me at least).
Mike