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

Nutz 'n boltz 2:

Prior to Spitfire, owned a 69 EngFord Cortina....new. for cash... longer story as to how I could 'do' 1.978$ out the door and into the endless SoCA streets.

When I met the 'spous' to be, she'd bought a Ford Fiesta hatch, 1st Gen in US trim...  One day, both side by side for a common oil/filter routine....

Same engine, but the Fiesta spoke German backwardsdrawkcab
180 plan flip....but some didn't change, those that stayed the same...

"That which you should Change Early & Often,,,"  Uh huh..."Praktische." 👍

Both stick, fun to drive in their own fashion....both metric....🤷‍♂️

If your experience by choice is exclusive to high-priced and difficult-to-source gear, it is easy to forget how much progress has taken place in audio quality at lower price points in the market. Progress to a level of satisfaction for many may have taken years of listening and equipment experimentation, but nothing stands still at any level, and it is possible that with newer products from newer producers, reaching a level of satisfaction may take much less time and treasure than in the past. It's all good.

@chenry

Well stated.  And, correct.  Currently "messing around" with Fosi and WiiM gear at present.  At just over $350 (for the pair), delivers something "enjoyable" to those who have not had the opportunity to get up close and personal with stellar hifi systems.

@asvjerry

"When I met the 'spous' to be, she'd bought a Ford Fiesta hatch, 1st Gen in US trim...  One day, both side by side for a common oil/filter routine...."

Oh yes.  The exchange of fluids remains one of the most enduring dating rituals to this day.  Standard or metric?  Not a factor.

Oh my God, being out in the middle of nowhere with an old radio from RadioShack with the battery cover taped to the plastic back would make me happy.

Remeber, a $50k system sounds crapy in a room with bad accoustics (almost all rooms have bad acoustics) and a $1k system can sound beautifull in an acousticaly treaded room. To begin with, you have to study your room acoustics, take into account the type of system you want and consider advise on what acoustic treatment you need; then buy whatever you consider an appropiate system for you and you will be thanking me for the rest of your life!