Did a satisfaction threshold exist under 1000 bucks ?

Thanks for this personal anecdote that if meditated will help others to cure their audio disease bug and push them on the road to satisfaction with their ears at the wheel instead of the higher possible  price tags in their head ...

I am impressed by the way people learn how to create their audio system at relatively low cost/ price tag ratio...And by the way they learn to listen and trust their ears and acoustics...

Their system impress me way less than their creativity...

my best to you ...

One of my best audio eureka moments was earlier this year. My system is based on "carefully curated components" within a reasonable budget. I have been through at least 20 amp/preamp combinations and ultimately settled on Convergent SL-1, a few choices of SS amps and tube amps, Magnepan 3.6R, and sub $1k dac or turntable to feed the SL-1. Earlier this year a friend and I visited the local McIntosh dealer, where we were treated to a demo of a Moon Audio DAC, Mc amp, and huge Sonus Faber speakers. Our host played a very familiar Dave Grusin tune. While the $250m system was very enjoyable, I left the store feeling very good about my system. Perhaps my ears were the limiting factor, but it’s nice to find the plateau where the gear satisfies the ear and the focus is then on discovering the music.

I've also heard expensive systems that sounded poorly to me, and inexpensive that were quite good...but to listen to top quality gear in a synergistically combined system, with room and all other factors discussed here well accounted for, is an incredible listening experience...the room and tweaks mentioned have long been accepted a crucial, but are often unfortunately ignored...

Your question/ statement is very subjective. I think it depends on experiences, budget and the priorities of each individual. The secret of contentment is knowing how to enjoy what you have, and to be able to lose all desire for things beyond your reach.-- Lin Yutang 

I am not so much in stoicism nor in the self control of desire ... I am not so wise ...

In audio musical experience i simply discovered how creativity make us really happy without asking for any renunciation or ascetic self control ...

Acoustics knowledge ( + mechanical and electrical noise and vibration controls for sure ) can make a 1000 bucks system so good on all acoustic factors that we are able to pass what i called  the minimal acoustical satisfaction threshold ...my actual system is not a stoic stop gap at all, it is completely satisfying even it it cannot be high end top or passed  the maximal acoustical satisfaction threshold ...

my motto is :

Acoustics science rule the gear not the reverse ...

Then the secret of contentment is staying creative till your death and investing  yourself creatively in what you have but which  is used in the wrong way ... Learn how to use it in the optimal way ...

( As an example i modify thanks to Helmholtz knowledge  the rear porthole of my speakers and the result is astonishing )

The secret of contentment is knowing how to enjoy what you have, and to be able to lose all desire for things beyond your reach.-- Lin Yutang

Making the most with the less is true audio knowledge...

You are missing out a bit. There is a true audio savant in industry named Andrew Jones who offered charity for many years. It may be practically impossible for other dudes to eek out quality sound with non-existent budgets like Andrew. You probably owe it to yourself to try one of his speakers. He uses Yamaha amps primarily when voicing his speakers.

Elac Debut 2.0 bookshelf speakers, msrp ~350 usd

Yamaha A-S301 integrated amp., msrp ~350 usd

Get them used for way less. It may be a big upgrade from what you currently have.