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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
 
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."
gregm
3,411 posts
 
When you KNOW where the next SIGNIFICANT sonic improvement lies and you can't comfortably afford it. Diminishing returns is a relative concept; one of its parametres is personal means.
Remember, however, it's good to LIKE what you have (rather than to strive for what you "want" and can't afford). And $10k is a LOT of money for anyone -- no doubt about that. Cheers
panderso
156 posts
 
Well put Garyk! Does that ever hit home.

Sage counsel, Gregm.
mrvordo's avatar
mrvordo
151 posts
 
When do diminishing returns kick in? ….. Immediately of course, but every upgrade can be worth it to you. You have to decide when you have had enough, but you can always improve the system. It may start taking a 4K investment to give you the “step up” that a 1K investment used to, but that’s the diminishing returns thing. Spend what you are comfortable with and enjoy the music. There is always better and more expensive out there if you want to keep on.
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