For the tool using hobbyist, get Akitika PR102 and GT108. For speakers, PE Morel Ardons. For source, Wiim Pro and if a turntable is needed, a Teac TN3. This would all set you back under $2K. Much less if no phono and no preamp…just plug Wiim into amp, and you’re under a grand!
For non-kit builders, a pair of B&W 606S2AE speakers and a Rega Io integrated with a Wiim Pro…$1800.00. To stay under $1500, NAD C316BEEv2 and Wiim Mini.
Really Inexpensive Systems That Sounded Great?
I think there is a big difference between "cheap" and inexpensive. I have blown money on "cheap" cables and immediately regretted it when my ears started bleeding from the brightness in my digital components. I also don’t mean "bargains" like the time I scored $2000 speakers for $200 on Craigslist, that is basically luck.
I am talking about inexpensive (less than $1500) for a system that sounded really great to you.
I fell into a whole house audio system from DTS Play-Fi because I wanted to try and compare different brands. I picked up Play-Fi amps, preamps and active speakers made by Polk, Paradigm, Klipsch, Onkyo and DefTech all for less than $1000 a pop. For what it is, whole house audio/casual listening it sounds great.
What inexpensive great sounding systems have you tried?