Well over $5k here, no matter how one counts. (Just the electronics, an 8x8 miniDSP in their 10x10HD enclosure, and an ElectroVoice CPS-8.5 8-channel amp, add up to $4k.) Though the multiple over $5k depends on how one counts. For instance, if one starts with a $5000 sub and two $3500 commercial subs, but later scraps the cabinets and amp and puts their drivers in new bespoke boxes to match one's current furnishing and powers them with a central amp, does one add up all the costs, or is the end cost better characterized as the replacement value of the drive-unit, the cost of the new cabinet commission, and the new amps?
But that's frankly overkill. Multiples and processing are the important things, and (perhaps sadly) driver quality above a certain point just doesn't matter that much. (Says the guy whose multisub system uses north of $3500 worth of Aurasound drive units, admittedly.) As long as the drivers have long throw, large enough voicecoils to handle decent power, and low inductance (shorting rings in the motors, otherwise good design) then the differences are more pride of ownership, etc., than sonic.
IMO, the minimum cost, starting from scratch, to get great bass is probably more like $2000 or so from new commercial units: three SVS SB12-NSD's and a miniDSP-in-a-Box. I know of no current better subwoofer value than that device, at $650 each for a well-made closed box with Peerless's fantastic XXLS driver and an NRTL safety certified plate amp.) Likewise, the 2x4 miniDSP is all one needs, unless one is doing a very complex system with flanking subs to help with floor bounce and more than 4 subs. One can go cheaper by using cheaper drivers and DIYing. If one needs more output (for plotless special effects wonders or whatever; for music, even in a very large room, output and extension won't be issues) one will need to spend more for at least one bigger sub.
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