My stereo is the result of hours of thrifting. Pioneer Elite VSX-41 receiver from Goodwill: $15. Speakers are Athena S3 + P3 powered towers: - $315. Yes, that's a negative. I bought the Athenas + a Velodyne subwoofer for $185 at a garage sale, then sold the Velodyne for $500.
I also have a pair of JBL 4312 Studio Monitors I picked up from a garage sale for $50. They're some of the best sounding speakers I've ever heard.
Athena Technologies...
