This forum is for discussion of leading edge vintage gear, regardless of cost. So, I'd thought I'd start the whole thing off with a list of a few true classic pieces, to illustrate. Each of these units was widely praised as being ahead of its time, and the absolute best at that moment, and many of them were good enough that they're still highly desired and priced accordingly.
Levinson LNP-2 - the unit that started modern high-end audio
Levinson ML-2 - the first super-amp and room heater-in-one
Marantz 10B Tuner
McIntosh MC-275
Audio Research SP-11
Threshold 800A
Bozak Concert Grand
Martin Logan CLS
Infinity IRS-V
Infinity IRS Beta
Technics SP-10 Mk 3
Oracle Delphi
There are a lot more, but note that it's one piece at a time, not a whole manufacturer, as there are very few whole lines where each piece was acclaimed. Feel free to add!
Levinson LNP-2 - the unit that started modern high-end audio
Levinson ML-2 - the first super-amp and room heater-in-one
Marantz 10B Tuner
McIntosh MC-275
Audio Research SP-11
Threshold 800A
Bozak Concert Grand
Martin Logan CLS
Infinity IRS-V
Infinity IRS Beta
Technics SP-10 Mk 3
Oracle Delphi
There are a lot more, but note that it's one piece at a time, not a whole manufacturer, as there are very few whole lines where each piece was acclaimed. Feel free to add!