Affordable vs. ultra expensive speakers - what's the difference?

I don't know the differences, but in your travels, ask to demo a pair of Magnepan speakers.  You might forget about the $$ and listen to the MUSIC and buy them.

As I understand it, they have several price points you can check out.

Cheers!

To more closely answer the original query...and let's assume that they measure closely. Differences in cost can include:

* cost of raw materials
* cost of labor in the country they were assembled
* level of design sophistication (flat vs curved exterior, internal bracing, x-over design, etc)
* numbers built (economies of scale)
* other models built using some of the same parts (economies of scale)
* company reputation

I'm sure I'd missed some variables, but as most others have pointed out, what do your ears like? If they measure, or sound the same to you, then it becomes a matter of aesthetics, company trust, or emotional attachment. For instance, a new 911 Carrera will outperform and cost less than half of what a 1981 924 Carrera GTS does, but I'd rather have the latter. Go figure...

Hello OP, how are you?  I have heard the Monitor Audio’s.  I own the Hailey 2.2’s,

along with Audionet electronics and Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC, They are simply stunning in every way.  I never dreamed of owning such expensive equipment.  But you know what? It is worth it to me.  I hear it.  Loud or soft, all types of music.  All the fancy words…resolution without fatigue.  Immersing…

There is so much good stuff at all price points.  Amazing hobby / lifestyle.  Pay for what your ears think it is worth to you.  Everything matters.  Source, preamp, amp, speakers and yes, cables.  
 

You can hear the difference.  or maybe you can’t.  That defines the value.

I invite anyone to hear mine.  

As I get older, I've come to realize that my ears are what hear the music.  You'd be amazed at how much hearing loss the majority of males have after 50, I'm 55.  If you are younger you may be able to hear a big difference between speakers in the same setting but as you start getting older it starts getting more difficult.  Go audition some speakers and pick a pair that is within your budget and enjoy the music.  The odds of having a group of friends come over and marvel at the amount of $ spent on your speakers is pretty slim.  Good Luck!

Blutack makes for a really good gasket actually, it just requires a little brute force and ignorance (perhaps less of the latter) and I would have thought a brutish barbarian of an audiophile like you, might enjoy the sound and the challenge to swap them out for the hell of it?!!?? Ha

Seriously, that marvelous blue putty really helps, particularly on tweeters, in regards to ringing (or removing ringing).