How cheap can you go and still be happy with the sound?

I put together a top notch ear monitor setup using existing iphone and Roon streaming software for <$200.

Cost goes up from there for other applications depending mainly on room size and other more subjective considerations. Multiple source devices will also up the cost accordingly.

I  have <$3k invested in my family room system which I suspect is one that most people might be able to live with.

I’ve managed to bring down the cost of my "reference" system by several K in recent years but still way more than any of these.

As cheap.......or as expensive as will satisfy your musical preferences!!!  

Let's not be ridiculous. Good sound has a cost and it should. I don't think there is anything under $10k-$15k that would qualify. Assuming one source.

I am a Linn fan with multiple active room corrected systems….put a jbl bar 700 in my new guest house.  For $/650 easy peasy good sound with no wires at all on rears so can take out on porch for evening stereo. Also have quad outdoor speakers definitive technology on the dock powered by Yamaha and sounds good.  Getting old helps but the original is still exceptional 

Let’s not be ridiculous. Good sound has a cost and it should. I don’t think there is anything under $10k-$15k that would qualify. Assuming one source.

@inna I totally understand that..., but, frankly or somehow, i either managed to lower my expectations on scale, etc while sitting nearfield.....or maybe, it has to do with the fact that an enormous amount of recordings to this day can be traced back to some Yamaha monitor....not too sure, but, it sounded quite good/was enjoyable for charity price.