This enterprise (mixing, recording, listening to sound) is entirely subjective. That's why these questions always have 2 camps (at least). Like www.records (and others in the thread) it's that "$3k" comment that prompts me to jump in.
It's Tuesday afternoon, 4/10/2007, just after 5pm on the East Coast, and I'm home from work about an hour. For the first 45 minutes I was home alone and after a tough day I poured a glass (then a second) of Salice Salentino, then cranked a $1 copy of Southside Johnny's debut album, I Don't Want to Go Home, loud as I could stand it (she can't take much more power, Captain). As the needle of my $150 EDR.9 cart (thanks Raul!) moved through the glorious grooves of this long-time favorite, sending the signal through my $79 TC-760LC phono stage, by way of my $250 1970's Yamaha YP-D8, into my Yamaha RX-V2400 HT receiver (sorry proper audiophiles) and out of my $800 used GMA C-1s I was transported. Back to the days (25+ years ago of my youth), when this LP played while nubile young college friends danced with the powerful innocence and glory of their young years; back to the older bluesmen whose suffering inspired young white artists like Southside to imitate them in awe and deep respect; back to those bars and clubs where I'd watch these guys play. Can CD transport me there too? Sure. Good music transports me.
The wife and kids came home; there's homework to do. Slipped Bill Evans' You Must Believe in Spring under the needle, here in NH where there's still a solid coat of snow in my yard, and let Evans' great combo sooth us all. My daughter said, Dad, no music I have to concentrate. I said, don't worry, this one has no words. By the end of side one, everyone's calmed down. Evans' magic has worked again. can CDs do this. Sure. Good music transports me.
Whatever you do, don't let the snobs intimidate you. Whatever your budget, there's a vinyl rig that can produce pleasing sound. There's so much good music on vinyl. Each of my $1 LPs this afternoon worked their magic.
Now, alas, it's time to get up and put in my fair share of home work. This hour of good music has been a great blessing. I hope you, too, can just relax and enjoy the music. (Thanks Raul!)