Well, i've used a peavey combo for about 8 years now. It certainly doesn't look high end, but it puts out everything I need.
I was recording a metal band the other day, and this kid turned up with a little ashdown combo. I said "will that be loud enough? You're welcome to try my rig!". He laughed and said "I think this is going to be better, it should be, it cost me £275" - as though price has some bearing on the sound produced. His guitarist friend was using some cheap no name guitar through a marshall MGFX and had great tone, but the bassist just didn't get it. Later on, I asked to borrow his headphones for a second. "yeh, but they only cost £65" - WTF?!?
I've always said you can get the best sounds out of cheap gear. I remember reading similar comments from the members of Asian Dub Foundation - I think the guitarist plays an encore or similar.
I have absolutely no desire for "high end gear".