What is $5,000 worth today, and is it better than 1,600 in the 80's?

“Based on how much we have deviated from discussion of audio, I must conclude that I am correct in all of the points below:

• Class D is the only high end audio amplifier topology left.
  
• Power cables don’t matter
• Speaker driver counts should be a prime number”.

Erik...hate to break it you but all of above can only be taken as your opinions not facts. How did you go from what is worth $5k today to above conclusions?

IME,

- All Class D amps I’ve listened and compared so far still sound dry and unmusical. The only exception would be GaN Tube Class D based amps. For you to conclude Class D as only high end amplifier topology is clearly driven by your methodology of price to performance ratio. A class D amp made from off the shelf parts is hardly qualifies as ‘high end topology’. Let’s give credit where it’s due, they are best suited for Home Theater applications only.
- Power cables as well as signal cables in any two channel audio system matters. I don’t want to start another war on this subject. So whatever floats your boat, a lamp cord from Home Depot or a DIY cable from parts connexion ...let’s leave it at that.
- Speaker driver counts, again there are no absolutes here. It all depends on speaker design. I have used speakers with multiple drivers as well as single driver. It just comes down to personal preferences and one’s budget.

Thank you rwortman. I could not have said it better.
millercarbon, the only reason wars last longer is because we have become more concerned about "innocent" bystanders. In WWII we just blew up everything.

You said it rwortman, tin foil hat fiat currency nonsense  is about as rational as putting magic mats in your breaker box for electric conservation or better sound stage or some such lunacy.

And yes, in general equipment is much better today than it was in 1980 and collecting music is way better including vinyl. I also think in general mastering has improved. So, overall we are in much better shape and I think get more value for what we spend until you get to the "luxury audio"
stuff. I don't even wish I had the money. Most of it I would not buy if I did.

Equipment is all about fun.  Infinity ...