Johnny in response to your first post.
firstly i'm not on the attack,
but it all comes down to personal preference, I don't really care how much something costs, my system is very cheap in comparison to probably 99% of people on here, I think it sounds pretty good so i'm not really bothered about spending thousands because I am happy with it (although I always strive for a better sound, as long as it is fairly cheap and worthwhile)

but I don't doubt that a megabucks system would sound better, of course it will, it will generally have better components better design and look better to boot.
but you are sort of right in what you say, if you meant you don't need to spend thousands to get a nice sound with a bit of diy etc, because you can.
but you are wrong in saying there is no difference because there clearly is, the extra money may or may not be justified but this is down to the buyer to decide, you nearly always get what you pay for with hi fi, (within reason) also normally if someone produces something crap and expensive you get to hear of it, so it is fairly easy to work out a budget and a sound you like to get a system that suits you, (which is the whole idea is it not? ) I prefer cheap and diyable (because that is half the fun) others prefer top of the line and not having to touch the system for ten years or so. again this is personal preference, why do you think you know better than the person buying the equipment? if they like the sound how can you possibly say it is crap ?
would you mind posting one of your designs? because you would be a good person to talk to, if you dropped some of the dictator attitude and shared some ideas.
may I suggest you start another thread entitled circuit design ?
if you email me pictures I can host them for you or help you put them online, as I am genuinely interested if you have any original designs good or bad.
a human response would be apreciated, thanks
ps sorry if I have copied others responses as I only read the thread through quickly ( too painful on the brain)