I'm not into Music listening as a hobby, but there are those that are and can afford expensive sound equipment. I'm sure some will buy the high end equipment, just to say they have the best. Music lovers as a hobby and want to spend lots of $$$$, more power to them with the right room to listen in.
If your happy with a $500.00 pair of speakers in a basic open room environment, that's all that counts. Will a $3000.00 pair sound any different in that environment? It's all about room acoustics in how a speaker will perform or not.
Spend whatever money on your hobby and or sounds good to you. Knock yourselves out.........lol Good question, "Affordable or Ultra Expensive Speakers." Any difference based on your room environment acoustics?