For early SS I'm trying to avoid expensive (except maybe Solar Fire) - IMHO
Williams - Solar Fire - Best off the classic 2 level games/ Firepower best System 6 with the classic sounds and best multi-ball start before Showtime.
Bally - Flash Gordon/ - Hard game so you hit the start button a lot / Eight Ball Deluxe - Single ball classic
Gottlieb - Black Hole and Haunted House are standards with great sounds.
Stern - I like 9 ball or Sea Witch. Not sure any Stern is cheap.