I’m not sure whether you were expecting a reply or simply thinking out loud 
Yes, equipment does make a real difference, absolutely!
That said, it’s worth adding a bit of nuance. 
Performance does not increase linearly with price, far from it.
The law of diminishing returns kicks in rather hard once you enter the six-figure price range.
Then there’s the listening room reality. Often ignored, unconsciously or not, but very real nonetheless, and both measurable and audible.
To put it simply, there’s a good parallel to be drawn between cars and hi-fi.
If you want to experience what a Formula 1 car is truly capable of, you need to use it on a racetrack. 
On normal roads, you might catch a glimpse of its potential, but it will never be more than that : a glimpse…
Otherwise, your F1 ends up being a very expensive trophy, and you’ll never even get out of second gear…
In short, a bit of acoustic treatment, along with proper placement of speakers and listening position, has a massive impact on sound and is probably the most cost-effective upgrade you can make.
Merry Christmas 
Thomas