what are your top "audio bargins" in your system history?

Townshend Rock mk2, also known as the Elite Rock. Bought for £500 in 1990. I’ve run a Rega 300 (with the damping trough) and a Naim Aro and now a Schröder Reference (without) since my Artemis is playing up again. The Rock is more resolving but maybe a bit more analytical with the Proteus, an SPU Royal N gets the combination swinging nicely though.

My Primaluna Integrated. Lovely tone. Fine imaging & 3D. As much slam as this classical music guy will ever require. Just spritz the volume and selector knobs with some Deoxit to quiet them down when they get glitchy. When a tube blows (which happens considerably less often than it happened in my previous tube amp adventures), you get hold of Upscale Audio and have them send you a new one.

Thanks for your thoughts/experiences.  J

If I consider a "bargain" as something that can be purchased at a relatively reasonable price, and that performs near or above similar gear that sells for a similar or higher price, then my list would include:

• SMc Audio upgraded amplifiers and preamplifiers
• Khozmo passive preamps and Hattor passive/active preamps
• Mojo Audio Mystique v3 DAC (the rest of the line is very good but not the same level of bargain as the v3)
• Sound Anchors Stands 

Spica TC 50’s

GZ34 metal base tube purchased in early 90’s.