This is a spin-off from another thread, but
what items have you picked up that weren't regarded as
"IN THEIR CLASS", but sounded good?

I picked up some large Technics speakers that sound just fine.

The biggest surprises in other categories:
Optonica SA-5151 receiver (an absolute BEAST) 85wpc
Curtis Mathes HA250 receiver 65wpc
Fisher Mt750 TT

One of the criteria is that I paid virtually nothing for each piece,
but the bottom line is they sound from good to very good with
the right config of other components.

What came out of the blue for yue?

Two items:
The Yaqin tube buffer. I really was not expected that it was better than my modded Musical Fidelity X10-D; and the Sonic Impact Super T Amp. A smashing surprise in all aspects. I 'd upgrade it, and now is just an awesome little sound gem.

Btw, very nice topic.

I bought a pair of newer KHL satellite speakers to use as -*test*-('") speakers. They have large magnets for the drivers and sound much better than they look.

dingus and I went on a road trip for a little ss receiver, a sansui 2000x, $20 bux. for our work station. we coupled it with a set up original advents, "right now we have a stack of advents" and that little system sounds great.

it cant keep up with my main rig, but for an old work station, it rocks.

elroy