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

More than one thing can be true at a time. It is generally true that you get what you pay for. It’s not realistic to think that you can  put together $2000 system that is going to sound as good as a well put together $20,000 system. Likewise, if you own a $100,000 system, it probably won’t compete with a $500,000 system. But that’s not really the point, the point is to enjoy the music. I think the point is to put together a system within your resources that allows you to take joy from listening to music. that can certainly be done without spending a fortune.

I bought my lady friend a little system for Christmas because she enjoys listening to my system with me. I got her some T plus a Caruso speakers that were demos at a good price and a blue sound power mode. Listened to it in the showroom and it sounded damn good. I would be happy spending a couple of hours every night, listening to good music through that system.
 

The only problem is, she will play horrid music from the 80s and a $1 million system couldn’t make that stuff sound good

@livinon2wheels 

Good product choices.  Great bang for the buck.  I have also "retired" from racing.  My favorite ride is not my quickest, but "makes good noises" when I get on it.

@kerrybh 

"More than one thing can be true at a time."

I love this quote.  I use it often in "conflict resolution" when both parties feel the ultimate goal is to be "right."

It reminds me of what I heard on the radio when I had lots of windshield time, searching for something to listen to on AM.  I came across an old comedy broadcast from decades ago. It went something like this:

Host: We're going to do a math quiz.

Guest:  Okay

Host: What is six plus six?

Guest: (pause)

Host:  It's twelve!

Guest:  NO!!  Six and six CAN'T by twelve.  Eight plus four is twelve!!

Simple.  But makes a prettty profound (and useful) commentary on our deperate attempts to find differences vs searching for common ground. There can be "right" answers on both sides.

There is another saying in my circles, for those who love to travel: 

anyone can travel around the world from a lot of money. Only the smart one can make it work on a limited budget.

Somewhat similar in audio, you might get to learn and explore more from less money. My hifi is midfi mostly but sounds terrific 

One thing that most audiophile here dont get often :

There is No comparison between a system never mind his price BEFORE   mechanical, electrical and acoustical optimization and AFTER  optimization.

NONE...

 Then when we compare systems at different price levels most of the times  we dont know what we speak about because the threefold set of  optimal conditions are not there...

A usual normal  room must be designed acoustically to compensate and help  ONE  gear/speakers system...( relatively low cost is possible )

Or we build from the scratch a very costly acoustic dedicated room of good dimension able to serve and help most speakers /gear...

@grislybutter Loved my old Hafler DH-200. It plugged on for nearly 40 years until the bad luck of water from the fire department took it out. Still sounded good after all that time. I remember adjusting the bias on it once during its long happy life. Other than that and occasionally replacing a fuse it was trouble free and built like a tank.  All audio gear should have that kind of longevity in a more perfect world.