2. best-of
  3. 1292615918

Best surprisingly good value component

Like many of you, I try many components, liking many of them, before settling on one for the final system component (thank God for Audiogon, and buying and selling used gear). Many times I am shocked that the biggest name, and most expensive doesn't sound the best in my system.

I tried many (11) DAC's before settling on the Bryston that I had in my system for a long time. I have had many, many subs, and even more phono stages, both tubed and SS.

So my question is what is the component you have in your system now that is the "best bargain". In other words probably much below the cost of the other components, but you just can't get rid of it because it sounds so good?

For me it's easy: PS Audio GCPH Phono Stage modded by Parts Connexion (sold mostly by Underwood). I bought this as I tried to find the best sub $5k phono stage I could get, and never found one that bettered this to my ear. I don't know that everyone would have this experience, but with my set up, I have yet to find a better phono stage.

I recently went to a higher output cartridge, and tried to go back to the phono stage on my Cary SLP98p F-1 that I have always loved, and found that the Modded PS Audio bests it in all ways by a mile.

Let's hear what your best "bargain" gear is?

I
macdadtexas
macdadtexas OP
1,794 posts
 
Shardone,

Actually, it was because no one used it since I got hooked on vinyl, and when my wife used the digital set up, she did without turning on the preamp most of the time. I did really love Bryston though, and digital is so convenient, I just can't get away from the warmth of vinyl now.

But thanks for doing the research, it's always good to be thorough.

You, I take it, don't have anything to add to this string?

I take it yo
tvad
9,467 posts
 
12-17-10: Shadorne
I doubt many people will have owned and sold 11 DACs and then sold the last one they preferred the most because the wife did not use it.
That's a great observation.

This site is priceless.

One day it's gold, the next it's gone.

You just can't make this stuff up.
timrhu
2,778 posts
 
Meadowlark Audio Kestrels, either standard or Hot Rod versions as I've owned both. I bought my first pair when Meadowlark was still in business and two other pairs later on. They are the easiest to live with speakers I have owned, and I have tried a lot of speakers. If you want near full-range sound in a small room, they can't be beat.
dopogue
1,767 posts
 
Gallo Reference 3 or 3.1 speakers.You can pick up a used pair here on
Audiogon for well under $2,000. Gallo's "replacement" 3.5
models list for $6K and many folks, including the current Absolute
Sound issue, believe they're well worth it. Great speakers, IMHO. Dave
drdennis
165 posts
 
Sony XDR-F1HD tuner modded by Radio X Tuners. For $350 nothing else comes close.
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