More expensive = better?

Yes QS is quite good, you have to spend a good amount more to better it.   
 

i agree with Ozzy regarding whether something is worth the cash....  it is if you love it and use it often.   My CJ preamp was good , Zesto?   Incredible, worth every cent. 

Each of us can only relate our own experience and rarely have I been bowled over and gobsmacked by a single well-executed amp or preamp but it DID happen (literally blown away) when I acquired an Audio Research GS-150 about a year ago.  Years ago I had an ARC D115-II for quite a while -- another great amp -- but nothing like the GS-150.  I haven't done alot of experimenting but I think from a value proposition a used Ref75 with the huge new powertubes ARC is using might be a good option.  Of course everything else has to be up to the challenge with regard to what can be resolved.  There are absolutely phenomenal values out there to be had as well such as the Magnepan LRS.   Crossed over to a good sub it makes for a small investment speaker-wise which might allow for more $ invested in your electronics.  And of course GOOD used equipment is often a great option no matter what.

What's your definition of "jaw dropping"?

Let's be honest - humans are emotional beings.

In general items cost more only if folks are willing to pay the higher price.

Are there $5k integrated amplifies that sound better than an $8k integrated amplifier - it's definitely in the realm of possibility.

If you look at established high quality brands - within their product lines there will be a difference in the integrated amps at various price points.  McIntosh has integrated amps at $5k and $8k and there's differences...I don't know if they are earth shattering.

If you look at other brands - say NAD or Rogue and you'll experience a difference in sound as you go up the model range.  And you'll notice a difference between the brands at the same price point.

When comparing a SS versus Tube and Class AB versus Class D you may hear a drastic presentation.  And that can be very personal.

And there's going to be someone that states - you can great quality system for less than $1k all in...and you can.

In the end, I try to enjoy my system as is.  Why?  Because the goal for me is to enjoy listening to music.

I am stunned by the general ignorance....

Acoustic is key NOT the price of the gear...And i dont speak here about buying costly materials passive treatment...A dedicated room is the ONLY luxury in audio....NOTHING ELSE IS....But why any gear manucturing company could not spell the beans about that ? Guess why....

My system is under 500 bucks and even better system at any price are UNABLE to give me any upgrade fever ever... they are better yes but think about the ratio S.Q. / price ...my system price made it with a ratio S.Q. /price over the roof....

Ok am i deaf?

No, i fine tuned myself my room by hearing experiments daily on almost one year period with fun and  junk materials from my basement... I used not only passive materials treatment but more importantly psycho-acoustic methods and Helmoltz acoustic resonators grid and diffusers...

Cost = zero bucks...

Acoustic is the sleeping princess and any piece of gear is only one of the 7 working dwarves...

@mahgister stunned by general ignorance?