Transcendent Sound Grounded Grid Pre Amp- $500 in kit form. Incredible pre amp. Mesa Baron Amp -$1,600 used. Powerful enough to drive the Hales! Hales Rev. 2 speakers $1,000 used. Cal audio CL-10 CD changer $800 used.
Best Component Ever, for the money
The other thread with this title was corrupted in its inception. Let's do this one with NO cables, power cords, isolation devices or tweaks. My vote goes to the Connoisseur turntable (integrated with arm). I don't have it anymore and you shouldn't be able to find one for sale. High end perspective for $150.