I think that Vandersteen Audio puts out a superior product for the money. I have owned 2CE's and 3A's in the past. I am sure that many of us have owned Vandersteens at some point. While better speakers certainly exist, I do not think that many offer as much in the price points that Vandersteen speakers cover. I also agree with Lev355 about Classe equipment.
Hidden GEMS
I am in search of small audio manufacturers out there that put out high quality equipment at extraordinary value. Companies that don't spend any money on advertising/hype but that are there to promote their to sell their well made products at a fair value. I don not mean ML,Krell, Plinius, AR, Sonic Frontier, etc...all good products but absolutely REDICULOUSLY priced!!!