What is your favorite budget audio component?

+1 on the MMGs and the Schiit gear. My headphone rig is a Schiit stack consisting of the Asgard 2, Bifrost Multibit, and the new Loki. All budget-friendly bargains.

My Auralic Aries Mini, $500 used I paid about $100 less for a perfect demo model and it opens up a whole world of music to me.

gsm18439653 posts11-29-2017 12:46amSpica TC-50 speakers.

+1

Watch out for blindjim and his audio trinkets.  Cheap but they accomplish nothing.  He must be a dealer.

Budget?  That varies according to disposible income, audio interest and other factors.  But for VALUE (which is quality divided by price), the industry loves Emotiva.  Clearly the best bang for the buck in that price range.

ADL-GT40 - The "Swiss Army Knife" of high end audio.  Combines a pre-amp / 24-96 DAC / MM MC phono stage that produces clean, clear, musical sounds.  Throw in an A to D converter that will facilitate high rez vinyl  rips, and that is one kick @$$ budget component considering the $500 I paid for it.  Look up Art Dudleys review in Stereophile for a more detailed look.

Note:  The upgraded 40a features a DAC capable of 24/192 and other improvements.

BTW - Not a dealer or anyone in the industry. Just a satisfied consumer.