It has been my experience that I only buy the ones that have a sound that I like regardless of price (pretty much). Questions like "can I live with the sound" are usually on my mind. Other questions you might ask yourself are "can I really afford this system?" Other pending obligations some time keep me from getting the one I want. How about you?
When I go shopping for a system, or parts of a system, I go to the store or website armed. Audio is something I don't skimp on, that's why it is usually just a once a year excursion.
I never have a limit of how much I can spend on a system; if I like it, I will definitely go for it, regardless of the price. All the same, I work on a budget. I believe that most of us never mind spending quite a sum on the things we like, right?
I have to think about price, being a single mom. I will, however, save up for one that I think is worth it. There is no accounting for taste, so I pick one that I like the way music sounds on it. It's not necessarily about the price!