how much would you say a good set up cost

"...except for full range bass" is the sticking point with most sub $10k systems, IMO.

Perhaps a pair of Audiokinesis Jazz Modules or Klipschorns driven by used Atma-Sphere M-60/MP-3 and a $1k CD player...

$30K or so seems about right for an entry-level High-end System.

My current rig sounds great @ $31.4K
Krell SACD Standard MK3: $6K
PASS X1: $5.9K
PASS X250.5: $7.5K
Wilson Sophia: $12K

I had a tough time trying to get to this level of performance for less.

$30K is ridiculous as a minimum startup figure given the qualifications of the original post for what a 'good system' revealed, IMHO. One can get a damn rewarding system, especially on the used market for under 5 figures. I'd reiterate that a bad room can ruin both a $3k system or a $30K system or a $100K system. I mention that as many folks see the room as outside of the "system". View it as you may in or out of the chain, and as high or low in the hierarchy as you may think; it can make or break a system.

The answer to this question is much simpler than most want to make it. A good set up costs just a little more than you've already spent. Any disagreements?

All kidding aside, a decent system can be built for $2-3K, though it will have sonic limitations. I believe a VERY good, full range system can be put together for around $6-7K which includes all the electronics, accessories and basic room treatments. To hit this price point requires buying used AND waiting for the right deals to come up. But it can be done, though what is "good" is quite relative.

As has been said ad infinitum, one of the most important elements is the room involved. Making the wrong room work is a pricey proposition which will skew anyone's pricing guesstimate.

Nothing earth shattering here, but I literally spent several years pondering this very subject in detail. After a long hiatus I'm putting the finishing touches on a new (but all used) system, so have a lot of recent experience from which to draw. For whatever that's worth.

I think the most important thing is determine one's audio aesthetic.

It takes time, and a lot of listening to systems and research.

Once one identifies with a philosophy of reproduction, then it becomes easier to determine how to achieve that within ones budget, expectations, and room size.

Just a few of the multitude of categories that come to mind are planar systems (which excel in room coupling), SET/single driver systems (which value coherency above extension), large scale dynamic systems, tube/triode (including OTL) systems (harmonics and fluidity), Horn based (dynamics), mini monitor (image specificity), all digital (including room correction for flatter in room response), etc.

Each represents a divergent path to achieving ones desired results. There are many price points that can be hit in each of these schools of thought.

And it becomes easier to research and weigh people's comments against one's known values, rather than just assembling components and hoping they will lead to long term satisfaction.

Personally, for me it was first hearing ESL63 USA's that catapulted me into the high end. Once I knew what type of system I wanted to assemble, it became possible to do just that within what I had to spend.

I can't do large panels anymore due to current space issues, but perhaps when I do have the room, I'll know clearly how to go about it.