It occurred to me the other day that I don't think this qualifies as "budget" anymore. I recently added the Emotive Audio Poeta preamp, and finally have the sound I've been looking for. Combined with the V12 and the Spendors the system has great scale, detail and soundstage depth. It's warm sounding, but not syrupy. The Poeta also added really full bass without going all flabby the way some tube sets do. Bass notes sound like basses. It's just great. I'm also told that new baby precludes the purchase of any more kit for the next 18 years, so it's a good thing I'm happy with it.
There is no other piece of gear I've ever put in my system that made a bigger difference than this preamp. Incredible detail, scale, and dimensionality. You could easily build an entire system off the Poeta.
Cary Audio Design CAD-280 V12R
It definitely warms the room in july, but it really sounds sublime with the Poeta. Easily the most powerful 50 watts I've ever heard, and it should be with 70 lbs of transformers built in.
Spendor S8e
I've had these for about eight years now, and they're the one piece of equipment that I've never wanted to change. Every improvement I've put into this system the S8e's have been able to keep up with. They lack the last bit of bass, but they're very satisfying none-the-less.
Sota Star Sapphire
No reason to reinvent the wheel.
LAT & Nordost Various
ICs are Nordost Blue Heavens of various vintages. Speaker cables are LAT International SS1000 mk II which are very smooth with great resolution. Whenever I have another grand lying around I'll get the matching ICs. Almost forgot the Cullen Power Cables. Cheap and excellent at about $125 each. Can't beat them.
Margot Baby
Ain't she cute?
Audio-Technica USA AT-0C9
Another hi-fi bargain
Project Tube Box
Not the last word in resolution or extension, but a very enjoyable presentation.
PS Audio Ultimate Outlet
Another bargain piece
Cambridge Audio 850C
A component that definitely fights about its price range.
