What is your favorite budget audio component?

B&K TS108 tuner. I did not believe that it would sound better than my Kenwood KT917, but since fmtunerinfo.com claimed it did, I had to find out. It does, but not by much, and only on my B&W 803's, and then only when the subs are not on.

Paradigm PW amp. I bought it for $290 used ($500 new) and it has ARC room correction.

I got some Jade 1s on closeout !!! 489.00$ to my door !! Trouble is caused me to upgrade to Jade 7 . But now I have Jade surround 5.1 Best deal though Marantz SR 8001 scratched and dent works perfect , still in use today. 685.00 delivered . MSRP was 2000.00$

Double dip:
I forgot to mention Stax SRX mk 3/SRD-7 $185.
New 'component': I recently bought and applied a CD that guides one to optimum speaker placement by listening to a series of sounds and effects. The result was like getting new speakers! Really! and I thought I had my speakers positioned perfectly before. So wrong. (Isotek Ultimate System Set-up Disc. No affiliation)

Also mt Denon DL-301 mk II. I had a hard time finding a real upgrade and in the end had to spend more than double the $329 the 301 cost me.

If you're buying used, buy a Meridian 565.  Absolutely love the sound that comes out of it.  Also, bought a used Oppo BDP93 and a used Yamaha RX V1. Absolutely wonderful sound.