How much does your system retail for?

We should start a new thread namely, Who does not tell your spouse the real price of your new purchase gear(s)? I don't. Never have guts to add all up but hi-end audio salons in town recognize my face and love me for suporting their "making a living".

$44K, almost all of it modded way beyond original quality and value. I like to think it's comparable to two to four times that much, especially given the cherry-picked-for-value nature of each component, to start with.

And you of course have a room and electrics that are built to suit the special needs of your very specialized and expensive gear...

Tad under $3000.00.......1st ever post, so bear with me. I am simply just amazed at some of the capital spent on systems. This is not a judgement, mind you, because I can see myself willing to spend more and more in the future. I have been into the 2 channel home audio scene for roughly 6 months now, and I can honestly say that I haven't had this much fun, met so many knowledgeable people willing to help and share their experiences. I have never had a hobby that can be so immediate in its rewards. I would love someday to hear a sound system like Albert's or that Mike guy on the west coast(the Sirius room), but I'm not ready to hear something like that yet....because I'll just want it right now, and financially, that's not possible. I am so downright blown away with how my own system sounds, that I think I'll just keep listening to it for now...lol. After about three upgrade fevers over the last 6 months, I am going to stop purchasing equipment and concentrate on room acoustics, cables and interconnect re-wire, and isolation/vibration control. Applause to all of you on your systems and the fun you have with them.

Do I detect sarcasm, Biomimetic? I have collected and tweeked my gear over many years at used prices on a shoestring budget. I am passionate about music, quality, and value (I have to be since my professional life has been a labor of love that I aspire to make pay). IMO, this doesn't make me any more deserving of a great system than anyopne else who simply wants one but it might show up your attitude a bit. I have no problem (except perhaps a bit of jealousy) with someone's pride in the expensive gear they own. Quality is an expression of caring.

I am a professional musician, instrument builder, recording engineer and producer and audio modder. I aspire to as high a level in all those things as I can concieve of. That's the choice I make. You're welcome to whatever balance of priorities you choose.

Oh, and the answer is yes and no. I did take out a wall to join two rooms for my listening room/recording studio, I outfitted it with homebrewed Roomtunes and I put in a dedicated line.

live and let buy, eh? peace.