Why do folks spend more on electronics than on speakers?

I’ve spent about $20K on my current set-up. About half that was on the floor-standing speakers plus a small subwoofer. I might spring for a bigger/better subwoofer at some point. However, it seems like most of the interesting innovations are in the electronics. Lately, for example, Gallium Nitride is a new (?) wrinkle in class D amps. Or suddenly, somebody will release a new DAC chip with bold claims for improved detail or better imaging. A few companies are integrating optical fiber technology into their server/streamer components. Meanwhile, loudspeaker technology doesn’t seem to change all that much. I’ll take a chance on ordering an electric component for $3K-$5K, then send it back if not satisfied. That is harder to do with a big, heavy pair of loudspeakers. Furthermore, unless you over-drive them, loudspeakers don’t often fail and almost never become "obsolete". Some of us would not say the same about CD players, MP3s, cassette tape decks, AM radio, tuners/receivers ... and maybe record players.  Still, on my current set-up (not counting every component I've traded in or stored away), I've spent about as much on speakers as on all the electronics put together.

@nyev 

Give Rockports a listen. Incredible detail zero fatigue. Good luck! 
 

Ron

Electronics 60%

Speakers 40%

Reasonable allocation of funds giving priority to speakers considering the vast amount of electronics in my separates system that features both digital and analog ends.

Not me.
My Integrated cost $6000, might change this year.

And my Speakers cost $20.000

JD

In my case, I bought my speakers first. I wound up buying Magnepan’s 1.7i, as that was the best speaker I could find within my budget at the time. I wound up replacing my preamp with a BAT VK-30SE (used obviously) and it was a significant improvement over the Emotiva XSP-1 Gen 2 I bought as a temporary preamp when my PS Audio 5.0 preamp died. After that, I sold my PS Audio S300 (also bought as a temporary solution when my Bryston 3B died) and bought a Bryston 4B SST2. Also a significant improvement over the PS Audio unit.

Going by original MSRP of the gear (I did buy mine used), my amplification to speaker ratio is aproximately 80/20, much higher than that if I had bought equivalent new amplification at today’s prices.

Other things I’ve done to the system such as improved tonearms, cartridges, phono preamp, turntable drive systems have been readily audible and the 1.7i speakers have kept up with all changes to the point that I’m really enjoying the system and not not second guessing my choice of speakers at all.