The ideal balance between cost and quality is a wheel made by one of the better internet suppliers like Colorado Cyclists or Excel Boulder Sports. These are machine assembled and initially tensioned but "touched up" by hand as a final step. I've had two sets, one by Wheelsmith (CXP33 rims, Dura Ace hubs, WS XL14 spokes, 3X32H) and one by Colorado Cyclist (CXP 33 rims, Chorus Hubs, DT 14/15 spokes, 3X, 32H). Both were absolutely true and tight as received and needed no retruing at all in service. The first lasted 30,000 miles and were replaced when the rim got too thin to trust. The second set has 16,000 miles to date and is still in great shape.

I would trust wheels from these suppliers before most LBS mechanics unless their wheelbuilding reputation was very well established.