I know, I know. Some of these things might be a little expensive, but I still think there is some serious value for the money here.
NAD C370, and NAD C541i - I think the NAD products pretty much speak for themselves.
NHT 1.5s - I have seen these on the internet for 300 bucks a pair. Put these up against your Bose 301s, and see what you get.
Etymotic canalphones - I've heard $10,000 stereo systems not have that much detail.
Sennheiser HD-600s - Clearly, one of the most well balanced products I have ever heard. Detail, musicality, dynamics, and openess all in the same package. What more could you want.
Sony V-6 - Killer price, durable, and dynamic with lots of detail. Very exciting!
Klipsch Chorus II, and Forte II - Massive, heavy, well built, and somewhat expensive, but you definitely get what you pay for. I have heard $10,000 speakers that can't match their speed, and dynamics. These are definitely the gems in the Heritage Series line. Super efficient, and SET friendly also!
Parasound HCA-3500 - What a monster! Built like tank, nothing in it's price range will drive speakers easier, extremely dynamic bass, and works well with a wide varity of speakers. Well worth the money.
Arcam FMJ-23 - As you climb the ladder of high-end sources, one needs to decide what attributes are needed for their system. I believe the FMJ-23 represents a serious value in comparison to CD players costing 2 to 3 times the price. If detail, dynamics, extension, and resolution are what you are looking for check the FMJ-23 out.
Denon DCM-370 - One of the best 5 disc changers I have ever heard at that price range. Somebody on a budget grab one of these.
Paradigm Studio 100v.2 - Give Paradigm a little bit of money, and see what they come up with. Best build quality of any $2000.00 tower speakers I have ever seen. Great bass, easy on placement, and a wide sweet spot. I think these guys know what they are doing.
Sony SRF-M35 AM/FM WALKMAN - Now this is real value! Great power, 15 digital presets. What more could you ask for, for 30 bucks.
