Part of the problem GMichael is that your $600 speakers are also just very good speakers regardless of price (the Infinities, right?). They are right on the beginning cusp of diminishing returns, IMHO.

And as for the $1000 number here is how easy it can be without having to resort to BestBuy:

Ascend 170s: $330


Jolida Integrated: $350


AT-120 Turntable w/ built in phono pre-amp: $160


Upgraded Goldring hi-output cart: $100


With plenty of money left over for cabling and accessories.

The problem with a $100,000 system, is that you can't really hide it away in your own corner of the world. In a small room properly set up, this system would be super fun and hard to beat. I can already imagine it set up in a room above a detached garage away from the house and any wife or children. With just enough room for proper speaker placement, some racks of LPs, a liquor cabinet, an easy chair, and the classic car of your choice in the garage below. Ahhhh, a man can dream....