Don't worry what your're spending...worry about what you're getting. For example, if you find a pair of used speakers (by being extremely patient) for $250 that were $1800 new then you will have a lot more money for the other stuff. Just have the discipline to use what you have until you find a bargain too good to pass up and build like that. Only buy the best bargains and don't be afraid to use sources in addition to Audiogon, where the sellers may not be so sure of the going rates for their stuff. You can buy a $10,000 system for peanuts if you take your time.