I have assembled inexpensive systems many times in the past and was amazed with the sound too. I think partially because I was not expecting much from the system and I just relaxed and enjoyed the music instead of being analytical about it. Also, those inexpensive systems suffer from sins of omission while much of the new equipment is forward and bright with more detail than a live event making system matching difficult while causing listener fatigue.
How many enjoy low $ second system sound?
To many my $10K system of Zu Essence and various amps of SET mono's, SET integrated, hybrid integrated etc. might be meager pickings but even the founder of ZU was impressed with the sonics provided. But I am amazed how satisfying it is to listen to my new Energy RC 10's at less then $300/pr. connected to a rare, $200 Adcom SS integrated streaming jazz through my iMac connected with RShack 3.5mm y-connectors from computer to amp. All bought for back ground music in the evening's or Saturdays when I don't want to fire the SET tube monoblocks and just want some sound. This little set up is really satisfying and I am amazed how nice it sounds each time I listen. So now the question - how much have I overspent through the years when I am so taken back by $500 worth of components? Get's one to thinking!!