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Edirol R-09. An "iPod" (pocket digital recorder) that allows you to actually record analog in 24-bit resolution to boot.
Sure, anyone can design a cost-no-object product. But it's the big bang-for-the-buck components that often demonstrate real talent. What's your choice for best budget component of the year?
B & W 685 Speakers- You gotta hear them. $600! When Mattel started making their products in China, they pocketed the savings instead of reducing consumers prices; B & W makes these in China in order to offer an incredibly affordable speaker to the public. All should take notice.
Speltz cables, "budget" only in price, as in my system they perform better than some of the most revered and well-reviewed $800-1200 (each) wires out there. I systematically replaced all but my power cords, noting improved detail, neutrality, and "life" with every change. I'd say what they replaced but hate to add to the E-traffic in blanket statements, knowing full well how system dependent cables can be. Suffice it to say the Speltz products replaced what are generally regarded as reference-quality cables within their respective price points, and that I am very sensitive to bright or aggressive sound.
E-MU Systems (Creative Sounds pro division) 0202 USB 2.0 Audio Interface. For a whopping $129.99 retail, you get a USB 24-bit, 192kHz DAC with a S/N ratio of 112dB with an outstanding mic preamp, a very high performance A/D and a pro-level headphone amp. Add a decent laptop with a good (high capacity and quiet) hard drive and you've got a digital source that can hold its own with nearly anything else out there.
Okay, an old product, but one that consistently delivers: the Vandersteen 2Ce Signature II. Through its long evolution, reviewers have had a tough time finding any real faults in this $2k speaker. It can play low and loud when called upon, has a magic midrange, a commendable soundstage, is reasonably faithful to the source and won't melt your earwax with a sizzling top end (you know, just like in real life), and rewards associated aquipment upgrades. The Model 2 has been the first and last speaker many audiophiles ever buy and I'm proud to have sold a few pairs in a past life and to own a pair currently. What makes this even more remarkable is that Vandersteen, along with a few other value-oriented manufacturers, has stuck with mid-fi pricing in the unsustainable and nutty world of hi-fi pricing.
My CAL Icon Mkll died a while back and I did not want to outlay large money on another CD player. Went to K-Mart, yeah, K-Mart and plunked down $59 for an Oritron CD/DVD player. This l'il cheapie is truly wonderful, for the money and way more money. And it'll play every kind of disc I have stuffed into its belly and plays them very well. Now, what to do about Martha...?