Why do folks spend more on electronics than on speakers?

@rossb, what speakers do you have?

Interesting discussion. I do think the speakers deserve the largest share of the $ spent. However, I think we can all agree that it is also the least predictable component to upgrade. With electronics, it’s fairly easy to spend more, get more unless you make a fairly radical change.

With speakers, even upgrading within a speaker line will not always result in better sound. They’ can also be the hardest & most expensive to resell, due to shipping. If you really like the sound you’re getting, I can see why you might hang on to the speakers & spend your money elsewhere.

Ronboco thanks for the recommendation on the Rockports. Not sure if they are in my region; will have to look..

I didn’t actually find the 802 D3’s at all fatiguing, not by a longshot when driven by the Diablo 300. While I found the presentation to be quite mid-forward which seemed to overshadow some of the bass, the mids that were there were so fluid and lush. Not harsh at all. So again I actually wonder if I could prefer this style. I also think it may be just in relation to my 803 D2’s, which are actually quite relaxed in the mids (only when driven by the Diablo 300 though, can be harsh with other amps on certain music).

I’m getting older now and it’s crossed my mind that a mid forward presentation might actually offset my deteriorating high-frequency hearing that everyone is prone to as they age….

I'm in the speakers first camp, although I would caution that you need to listen to your choice in different places with different electronics.  Over spend on speakers you love and they will pay you back day after day.  Electronics can be upgraded easily, particularly analog or digital front ends.

Agree 100% with @ghdprentice in two respects: I also am a major ARC fan and a speakers first guy.  ARC builds synergy into all of their products.

Caveats:   In no way am I saying that other top shelf manufacturers don't have synergy.  And, overspending on speakers is a personal choice and may not fit into what is happening in your life.

We just need to relax and enjoy the music.

Regards,

barts

I see a lot of my amp cost this and my speakers are this much.... it doesn't really matter what something costs. It can still be crap.    Or it can be an unbelievable value for the money.   I'd like to think my system is a sum of the latter.   

Once you get to a certain level in speakers, it will take a LOT to "max them out" with the backing gear. Say you’ve found a high-end speaker with a voicing and aesthetic you love, you can live with its trade-offs, and it’s the right size for your chosen domicile. "Upgrading" from this could be a nightmare, because it can change EVERYTHING you’ve been building synergy towards, and there’s no guarantee the new speaker will be a good fit for your room. It’s not like dropping in a preamp - you’ll have to position, reposition, and re-reposition the boxes and seating. It could well set your system into a tailspin that takes lots of time (and money) before settling again. And don’t forget about burn-in. If you have to swap out or return speakers, shipping is an order magnitude more hassle than with electronics components.

That’s why some of us choose to keep the speakers we’re happy with and pump more money into the upstream.

That said, your post specifically cited $2K - 5K speakers, and honestly - no, I could probably not stay put & happy with that.