How much does your system retail for?

$10,000 since I began this spiral descent...2 months ago. I needed a new cd rack...that turned into a sony 400 disc changer (now I have no need for a rack, I thought, which was true)...and the changer needed a better amp ( a rotel integrated, which had to be changed to a poweramp with pre in one week because, see, the dealer has this 60 day 100% purchase value upgrade toward any component of greater value...what a nice guy he is, this dealer)...and then the amp told me it wanted to power a pair of B&W 805's ( but only if they were on B&W stands, you know, the cool looking ones made SPECIFICALLY for the 805's, you know, the overpriced ones )...and blahblahblah.

I feel as if I'm in the suck of a black hole. How come everything I buy makes everything sound better and -simulataneously - worse? Why don't I just blow the big one and get to the last page? Why waste the time reading all the filler? I know how this is going to end. (But man, have you heard Zeppelin on 200 gram vinyl? I mean: really, is it worth every penny or is it worth every penny?)

$7,750. Man am I a piker compared to you guys.

1K,2K,5K $7,750 or $100,000 makes no difference,
as long as it makes you happy.
It is not a rat race, just a bunch of people with one goal -
music enjoyment..........

I hope....

M.S

I have speakers that retailed for GBP3,000, CD DVD player US$5,500, CD player $2000, pre power amp $1300.00, plus cables worth over $2000. The funny thing is that the speakers cost me $350, cd/dvd $175 and cd player $400.00, and the Jungson pre power combination outperforms items 3 or 4 times as dear. Lesson learned watch the ebay sites for bargains and go for what sounds the best. The only drawback is that your system would not be as new and items are not picked on only their merit within the system, but on bargains to be had. Saying that I listened to some modern expensive speakers that don't come up to mine, and I would have to fork out an extra $5000 to take a step back. The way they made stuff in the early eighties would take a lot of money to equal now, so you are gaining sonically by getting some good old gear

About $15,000.00 retail Gentlemen, When your wives do find out about your little habit you will need to call me immediately to help save your marriage! I own a jewelry store and can help get you out of trouble in no time! Albert, we should start with you!