NAD 7225PE receiver I bought in 1991 for $349...Musical, dead quiet, reliable, dynamic, smooth, and with an incredible tuner to boot. Still "does it" for me 25 years later.
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.