I'd have to agree. I think that playing a better set, not only makes you sound better, but I think perform better. I might be a mental thing, trying to live up to what it was made for, but if I sit at a set thats crummy, I play crummy. But I know I don't have the best set myself, so I'm prolly not the best drummer.... due to the set, of course.

I have to say that cymbal really make a huge difference too. But like you mentioned, high prices, I have a Zildjian Costom A Splash- 6" it cost about $79! Its small, shiney, sounds amazing, and makes me..... think about how much it cost. But I love it Nontheless.