Ron- Sounds like we don't disagree on as much as I thought. I've run the gamut from hi-end to low-est. Hi means they ripped out all the theatrical recording and mixing studios at the NFB in the nineties and rebuilt them from scratch. Huge "floating" theaters for theatrical surround mixing. Low, strangely doesn't even mean home; I think a small "professional" studio with a noisy fridge and a whiney dog was the winner there.

I, however, believe that it is possible to do pro-level home recording these days. (My own are NOT an ideal example, I'm far too lazy for that.)

Little things make a big difference! Getting rid of two metal filing cabinets in my "Studio" (otherwise known as "the attic") improved the sound greatly.
Cripes,it's hot up here...
...gotta take a break!~