Law of Accelerated Returns

There have been several times in my audio journey when I listened to a system that was beyond my ability to fully process it.  Over time and with experience, our brain fine tunes itself to discern the differences in fidelity.  

The differences I hear in my system to a non audiophile might be difficult for them to hear.  When I point things out, sometimes they can hear it, sometimes not.

So perhaps the law of diminishing returns also plays into not yet having the developed palate to hear the full differences.

I think what he's saying is that the sonic differences are subtle.

To the average person on the street spending $5,000 dollars on a stereo is quite extravagant.  To spend 10x or even 100x that amount is nearly incomprehensible.  I will never say that you can't get better sound by spending more money, nor do I begrudge anybody so inclined.  I just think the concept of accelerated returns in audio reproduction is false.  I find it interesting that nobody has offered actual examples of it happening.

@mijostyn

To your point, I have heard only one setup EVER that did the 3-d soundstage to the extent you describe...and I have heard 100’s over the years I would estimate.

As I have alluded to on occasion in past threads here, that was a demo of an all mbl system with mbl 111a speakers set up at then United Home Audio in Annapolis Junction, MD, in a showroom optimally constructed for the purpose unlike anyone is likely to have at home, probably over 10 years ago.

Same system at shows, less optimally setup...back with the pack.

So I have seen what it takes and factor that into what I do at home to the extent needed for me to be happy in lieu of setting up a custom room like that and going full omni. Something I greatly appreciated but do not need to get my endless hours of enjoyment from my music at home. THis ain’t the Olympics and I have no preconception about being the best in the world. Too much trouble! But never should be too much trouble to at least learn from the best and apply what you learn as you may. :^)

My system(s): Sound Chaser | Virtual Listening Room (audiogon.com)

I have heard only one setup EVER that did the 3-d sound stage

Same here it was the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and I have given up on trying replicate that sound years ago. I can not replicate Orchestra Hall in Chicago at my home in the burbs. I have tried and my gear and room have their moments. 

@onhwy61 I just think the concept of accelerated returns in audio reproduction is false. I find it interesting that nobody has offered actual examples of it happening.

Your thoughts are 100% correct.

So, that nobody has (or can, or ever will) offered actual examples of accelerated marginal returns is irrelevant. 

However - should there be honest examples provided they would be similar to what is sometimes loosely known as a Black Swan event

@jerryg123

Well I should qualify that the mbl demo I heard was a full scale symphony orchestra recording and you could locate the players exactly in a 3-D area about 24-30’ wide at the immediate front of the listener I would estimate and similar depth as I recall however the sides were tapered to maybe only 5’ or so at the rear, so NOT parallel and highly treated with curtains and whatever was used behind those. So sit in row 1 at the symphony and shrink the size of the stage down to that size and that’s what you had, with all the players locations easily triangulated by the ears within that space. It was awesome but still obviously a scaled down version of a live symphony in terms of physical dimensions though SPL levels were comparable.