A $1K outlay can go a long way if a system is bought used. Trebling your buying power is not unheard of within the second hand market.
Further enhancements can be incrementally applied if some of those products purchased are considered as “best buys” or “category winners” proven to bat well above average.
Everyone has to start and end this hobby somewhere. The perceived value is how well are you satisfied with what you presently have and hear. Another discussion is what is more satisfactory, somebody content with the sound they have, or someone constantly unfulfilled, searching for that absolute sound?

