how much would you say a good set up cost

For those that need a hand, check this out... Seems to have a lot of the info disputed, and might get you where you need to go with your systems.
http://www.getbettersound.com/toc.html

I had 30 k invested.. I was able to achieve far more ergonomic, better frequency response, and better performance all together after understanding more principles of the game a few years later and now having only 6,000 total invested :-)

Plus you just feel far better about yourself when you sit there starring at a couple of amps that cost you 1 fifth the cost over others that don't sound better. So it all depends on how dirty your willing to get your hands, and how many little risks your willing to take to get you there.

If you have money to burn and it makes no difference and this is not the route to take, because its a long one.

By the way I would never consider at this point from experience spending more, because I know for my personal taste it will not satisfy, this is just "Audio" its actually not that difficult nor is it anything hi tech involved quite honestly.

There is ultimately no specific cost to pinpoint this optimal performance level you seek, it will vary quite a bit from personality to person.

I will add this final note(maybe a hint) most of the big money necessary would be spent into a great room.. Those don't come cheap at all.. And can at a minimum set somebody back anywhere from 500 to 15,000...

Pubul57
Just to clarify I had a 30k system that could and would trump some up into 100 k in systems... We could go on and on all day, I was simply stating that you can be happy at many levels lower than some state or maybe think is possible. So you are correct...

And I only threw my example out due to the original poster that started the thread was saying 30 to 35 k seemed to be some kinda magic #... If I was to do it again yep your right I could EASILY put together a no nonsense 30 k very optimal system just as easily as one for 3 k..

But I would not be happy having that much invested no matter how good it was now that I have found the important part of the equation that all audio beings lose sight of at some point in this hobby, and it is not the fancier, the prettier, the bigger the better approach which was my only point, however that having a connection and "feeling" from the music every time you turn your system on..

"For that sensation it is priceless, for everything else there is Mastercard."
:-)

Several un-explainable and un-purchaseable equipment :-) Well of course it all started as somebodys gear, and ended up with just their original name tag on it in the end, Mainly just all highly customized pieces and specific pieces ordered and altered with the best of the best to effect the important aspects of the electronics, cables and room itself. Nothing special just done right from the ground up this time vs. trying to match everything, there is always tradeoffs.

Tvad
Exactly correct :-)_ And trust me I don't say that to be pompus, and Hell I don't know much, but learned a lot if that makes sense. But I can say for somebody to pay someone that does have a clue on some of this stuff and do it right would cost as much as some just buying the next level of component, which will re-sell of course better un-altered in most cases.

Thanks, and it is a lot of fun, and of course takes a ton of patience with good direction... Kinda like building a custom house, you need to decide who you want to make that real special faucet on that bathtub!