What improvements did you hear in going from entry level to high end Audio?

Jbselector great post! I always tell people that your audio nirvana and mine are not the same. I’m the type that when I hear something great. It becomes my reference and I will try to get to it by spending less than they spent.  Less for some people is $500 for some people it’s 5k for some people it’s 50k. Depends on your income and or willingness to chase it. You attempt to find the match of cables and components that make it happen for you. The reason I started this thread and others is because I see a lot of posts that treat those of us who spend more to get there like we are foolish and that the manufacturers are selling us all snake oil. There are some manufacturers who charge way too much for what they sell. However, if it gets a person to THIER Audio joy then it’s worth it to them.  I asked if people had heard certain gear and combinations so that I could figure out what their reference point was and even that turned into a debate negatively.  They may hear a speaker with a different amp and cables and that could change everything. We all have our opinions so if you spend the money you make on what you want then my OPINION IS THAT OTHERS SHOULD STFU! But that’s my opinion!

20K is not essential or a guarantee of enjoyment.

@lfssbn1. That is true. That’s why I said right equipment and right match

Of course $20k is not essential for enjoyment. I'd say $100k minimum. I mean seriously, why would someone spend $100k or $200k on a system if it wasn't worth it?

calvinj, I think to suggest that people STFU in a forum discussing high end audio, or anything, for that matter is a little ironic. We're here to share opinions after all. I agree with you that if someone wants to spend large amounts of money for incremental differences that this their option and if it makes them happy then that is fantastic.

But we all probably have that point in which the skeptic lurking inside all of us comes out. The guy who has spent $100k on a system is going to be a tad suspicious that the guy who spent $485K on used speakers (they were listed on this site not long ago) is probably a little daft.

I also think the two ends of the spectrum are about the same: People who spend less thinking that people who spend more are doing it for reasons that don't warrant the expenditure verses people who spend more assuming that people who spend less are either settling for poor quality or just don't know the difference.

Finally, I do not believe that it is true that every additional dollar buys you a subjective or objective benefit. I think it is true up to large sums but there comes a point in most hobbies at which that extra dollar does not buy a dollars worth of benefit and in some cases will buy you less.

N80 great observation. I will tell you I have heard probably 20 systems that cost over 200k.  They systems I heard was about 700k the second best 200k. However the third best came in about 35k. The guy who put it together was really experienced at matching cables and components and he cheaply soundproofed his room. I really enjoyed his system. I would go by and listen to hours on end. I enjoyed it because had managed to get the supersystem sound at a fraction. He researched each component and took some advice from a few industry vets and hit an enjoyable home run! As far as STFU is concerned I see the same trolls on a lot of threads that say the same comments and in their minds and mouths they think they are geniuses. That was for them. Lol.  You can have a great enjoyable for less money and I admire those who are smart enough to spend less and still build a great kit!