The answer to this question is much simpler than most want to make it. A good set up costs just a little more than you've already spent. Any disagreements?
All kidding aside, a decent system can be built for $2-3K, though it will have sonic limitations. I believe a VERY good, full range system can be put together for around $6-7K which includes all the electronics, accessories and basic room treatments. To hit this price point requires buying used AND waiting for the right deals to come up. But it can be done, though what is "good" is quite relative.
As has been said ad infinitum, one of the most important elements is the room involved. Making the wrong room work is a pricey proposition which will skew anyone's pricing guesstimate.
Nothing earth shattering here, but I literally spent several years pondering this very subject in detail. After a long hiatus I'm putting the finishing touches on a new (but all used) system, so have a lot of recent experience from which to draw. For whatever that's worth.
All kidding aside, a decent system can be built for $2-3K, though it will have sonic limitations. I believe a VERY good, full range system can be put together for around $6-7K which includes all the electronics, accessories and basic room treatments. To hit this price point requires buying used AND waiting for the right deals to come up. But it can be done, though what is "good" is quite relative.
As has been said ad infinitum, one of the most important elements is the room involved. Making the wrong room work is a pricey proposition which will skew anyone's pricing guesstimate.
Nothing earth shattering here, but I literally spent several years pondering this very subject in detail. After a long hiatus I'm putting the finishing touches on a new (but all used) system, so have a lot of recent experience from which to draw. For whatever that's worth.