I have an Apt-Holman pre brought up to spec...and personally, I prefer it over my McIntosh pre. Very analytical piece for 200-400 dollars on the used/vintage market.
budget component in high-end system?
Does anyone use a budget component in an otherwise high-end system? You always see reviews of budget components where the reviewers says the piece comes very close to things costing much, much more money. Does anyone use any of these so called "budget" components by choice? ex. $500 cd player with $10,000 amplification.