50. JBL Model L96 Speakers from 1982

JBL L96 speakers. They are just fantastic! Back in 1982 they cost $800 a pair. In today's dollars that's about $1936. They are extremely well made. About 50 pounds each. The bass that these 10 inch woofers generate is stunning. The woofers feature a 3 inch voice coil that allow them to really pump. I bought mine a couple of weeks ago and it's one of the best purchases that I've ever made. Before these I was using a pair of JBL L100 Centuries and the midrange was so forward that I was getting a headache from them. The L96 are much nicer.

Here's a picture of mine:

49. JBL 4401 Control Monitors from 1984

These are fantastic, accurate little near field monitors. These deceptively heavy rascals put out an amazing amount of bass for their size. Nice wood cabinets, great quality. It would be hard to imagine better speakers at the same size. Very revealing, great soundstage, crisp highs, non fatiguing. These are so much better than what the vast majority use for their computers.

Here's some info on them from JBL and Lansing Heritage:

http://www.jblproservice.com/pdf/Studio%20Monitor%20Series/4401.pdf

http://www.lansingheritage.org/images/jbl/catalogs/1984-pro/page05.jpg

Unfortunately I haven't found any information on what their original cost was.

Here's a picture of mine:

48. David Hafler DH-110 Preamplifier from 1985.

I just got this preamp and hooked it up to my rebuilt and modified Dynaco ST-70 (also designed by David Hafler). Available as a kit, it was and continues to be popular due to it's upgradability and quality. It may be the best preamp available for under $200 in the used market today. I think it retailed for about $450, Anyway, I am very please! I can't wait to upgrade the phono section. It is now in my main rig. Here's a picture: