basically what igo4bmx mentioned, quality is where the price adds up.
For the average joe, a headunit, sub(s) and amp will be enough. Thats where I started out, and I was happy for a while - until I decided just having bump did not sound good. I ended up getting a 4 channel amp for my highs/mids. Depending on how much you appreciate the sound quality of music, you won't be happy with just a HU, amp and sub.