Cool post thank you for this!
I started out with my old Behringer XENIX 1204FX. It did ok for the crazy low price. Unfortunately after a few years it started to become flaky (the right VU meter bar stopped working and got some crackling here and there).

So I browsed the second hand market and found a Mackie 1402-VLZ for very cheap. I had a lot of luck because it is in great shape for it's age (it's a whopping 21 years old!!!), the faders don't crackle and although the EQ's are not super musical IMHO, it has a great sound.
Can't really describe why, but I'd say it has a very pleasant vibe (the Behringer was a tiny bit more crisp maybe...). Anyways, thanks again!