In classical economics as defined by Marshall you have come up against the punishing law of Marginal Productivity. One could draw a graph with audio "quality" on the side and $ spent on the bottom resulting in a curve that rose steeply at the start, then flattened to the point there was no real increase for ANY amount extra spent. In other words you hit a plateau of economic and hi fi reality.
Before he music industry and home reproduction to the DIN 4500 standard crumbled in the face of commercialisation of the digital domain for hedgefund profit, a thriving electronics industry catered for a wide range of needs providing on the whole equipment and listening pleasure that was realistically priced in the mid range.
I suggest you delve into the world of vintage electronics (but make sure you have the services of a good tech!) whether it be 1970s Japanese monster amps and receivers such as Sansui or design led beauties from B and O or Philips from the same era. A Linn Sondek table will still deliver the gods as well as anything looking like a prop from a SciFi movie. Lastly remember the audio chain is only as good as its weakest link. Sticking to one manufacturer for components that have been designed to work together will cut out a lot of wasted time. Audition speakers before buying and place and tweek the room to get the best acoustic. Aim for simplicity. Unless you live in a mansion with a dedicated music room surround sound will be a waste of time. Stuck to two channel stereo. Avoid silly theories such as pre-amps without tone controls - bi-wiring speakers - spikes for speakers - over priced inter connects and speaker cable - valves sound "better" than transistors "full stop" - all digital is bad - you can get good sound via streaming and downloads - etc. etc. Finally the MORE you spend the better it IS! The basics are: if you are listening to the equipment, after setting up which should not take a lifetime, and not the music then give up!