generally, the more money you spend, the better gear you're going to be able to get, and the better your recording can sound. but, like nick said, you may not be able to hear it right away. some good playback gear will tell the tale.
before i get flamed, you can get bad recordings with $10k worth of gear. and, you can get awesome recordings with $1k worth of gear. hang out here, read a lot, check the yardsale, and make some informed decisions on you first rig purchase. you may get redirected by those pesky moderators a bit, but don't take it personally, they do it to everyone.
welcome aboard
jr