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When does the law diminishing returns kick in?

As I go through these threads reading responses I will look at the systems from answer writers. Wow, some of you guys don't mess around. As a music lover and audio guy myself (since the late 60s) I can't help but be envious.
Although my system is modest, especially compared to some, I get a lot of enjoyment listening to music on it. It took a while and a lot of trial and error to get what seems right to me. But when looking at the super systems here it makes me wonder what I'm missing. With the exception of deeper bass, am I missing all that much? How much would I have to spend to hear real (worthwhile) improvement?
timrhu
timrhu OP
2,779 posts
 
I like that advice Reubent. I have owned three different cd players that retailed for twice the cost of the NAD but preferred the NAD. All of them resold on Agon. Soon after discovering Audiogon my wife was wondering what was up with all the UPS deliveries. It definitely adds to the enjoyment of this hobby. Thanks and good luck.
panderso
156 posts
 
Just a note on NAD; I still have the NAD 3120 Integrated in my second system, driving venerable Totem Sttaf speakers. Lost track of how old the NAD is, over 10 years I think. I kept realizing how enjoyable the music sounded throught this modest system against far more expensive kit, one of the things that led me to downsize.

NAD isn't the only example of high-value gear to consider before spending more, but it's a good one.
panderso
156 posts
 
p.s. I think FatParrot is onto something with his geometric quantum progression. New laws of economics being discovered here.

Jond's bold identification of $2K as the specific point of diminishing returns, give or take, also accords with my experience across a range of components and manufacturers. Beyond that, its not that you can't hear any difference, but you can pay a lot for modest gains, and wonder whether you are really enjoying music that much more.

There those who needn't balk at $10K or $20K, or $100K per component but they probably wouldn't look at this thread.
timrhu OP
2,779 posts
 
Panderso,
It's probably the old hippie/commie in me that balks at spending $10K or $20K for a piece of audio gear. But I admit the world would be a less interesting place to live if everyone were satisfied as simply as me. And what would Hi-Fi reviewers write about?
garyk
30 posts
 
It kicks in when you stretch really far to buy a component that's 3X or 4X more costly than one you have, discover is sounds about 5% better, and are told by audiophile friends that if you only spend $X,000 more on addtional [fill in blank], "it will make your jaw drop."
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