There are thread on this from the past. You should do a search for them.

I'm not even sure you understand the humorous irony of your signature...

you spelled 'retarded' wrong.
:shock:

I would first invest in room design and treatments. Equipment is of no use if you can't accurately hear what you are doing with it. $10,00 grand will get you a good start on making your room acceptable.. you will probably need another $90,000 to go with it. Mastering is not a game for the weak of heart .. it takes a lot of talent and very deep pockets..

boheme, that is hilarious!

I've got more than 10k worth of lumber in my room. We've all got to start somewhere though, as Kurt pointed out the room would be a good place to begin.

Good luck.

Just to give you an idea of a DIY studio.
I spent much more than $10k for a DIY studio.
I completed building a home studio about a year ago. Just the build of the studio itself took a year and lots cash. The labor cost was really high. As KF stated the space itself is extremely important.
Check out the following link for the space:
http://recording.org/postt21657.html&sid=852ce48e69e5c87f4d8dc6fb7e9c59fc
Then the equipment to go in that expensive space has been very high $$$
Monitor Audio S10 transducers and FB212 sub $4k
Monitor Amp $1k
Avalon 737 preamp $1.3k
Mackie controller $1k
MOTU896HD $1.3k
Aardvark Q10 $0.8k
(3) powercores including Master X3 $2k
Sony Oxford bundle: Dynamic, Inflator, EQ $0.8k
(2) sync master displays $1.8k
Software $3k
(2) DIY computers $3k
cables $1k
Headphones and distribution $0.8k
DI and adapters $1k
Musical equipment(guitars, keys etc...) at least $10k
Some of the equipment is used or really good deals.
IMO out of everything, the 3 most important items in order:
1) space
2) speakers
3) A-D

Peace!
Greg Alcorn
Alcorn Studios

Just did my receipts and I documented $17,639.00 just last year on recording equipment only. And that was being frugal purchasing used and Ebay when possible.
It's a good thing we all love this!

Peace!
Greg Alcorn
Alcorn Studios