Best budget equipment?

The Onkyo A9555 integrated amp is a pretty remarkable amplifier for the money. List is $800 but it's available at Amazon for $500 new, or refurbished from accessories4less at $400. It got an excellent review in Stereophile and I've been trying one as a potential back-up "summer amp" to substitute for tubes. It's very nicely built with great ergonomics and a massive power supply.

Try going to Guitar Center or a local music store and try a powered monitor. This is the simplest and most dynamic arrangement. I have my eye on a set of Mackie MR8 monitors for $500. Phil Brady

NAD c320 is an over-achieving integrated with a nice combination of features and build quality. Used here on Agon for around $275. Hard to argue...

For a "girlfriend" system, I also recommend the NAD 320BEE (or more recent 325BEE) amp. Easy to use, nice remote control, reliable -- and sounds good too! I would not run the Oppo directly into a power amp.

Speakers -- so many to choose from. Models from B&W, Paradigm, PSB, Polk, Totem, etc. -- hard to go wrong. Browse the listings under "Monitors" on Audiogon.

Some of the best budget brands are Rotel, NAD, Cambridge Audio, Music Hall and Creek.