Why do folks spend more on electronics than on speakers?

Gosta I agree, the 802’s may not be too mid-forward.  Just more mid-forward from what I am used to; it is all relative.

I did read a recent review of the 802 D4’s that noted the bass and presence would be lacking in any room larger than 430 sq ft.  If this was true, with the bass lacking, the rest of the range would be accentuated.

For me, a CPA, I allocated half of my system budget on speakers and half on everything else. That said, I have cycled through five pairs of high end speakers over the past seven years to find the best fit. Side note, all bought used except one pair and broke even except the new ones. Finally found the best fit for my gear and room in the form of Magico A5's, supplemented with the B&W DB3D placed behind my rig firing to the side walls. Fantastic.

OP,  “$15K… 10 - 15% on speakers”.

Unlikely a well optimized system… but possible. I think you have to start with a thought about what you want to spend… and then audition and make decisions that balance and optimize the sound. About thirty years ago I found some extremely good sounding speakers… Apogee Slant 8’s that cost around 10% the cost of my whole system. The ribbons were simply stunning, particularly for the money. I had them for 15 years. They were not perfect… but they sounded well beyond their cost.

 

I eventually got speaker that are at the 25% range ($32K). There is no comparison… these are not in the same class. But you build a system one piece at a time… sometimes the proportions get extreme. 

 

 

Spend a lot more on your amp and then buy the best DAC you can afford 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEprsbAzS9I

Would it be easier to get the most expensive speakers you can afford and then gradually upgrade electronics to get the sound your happy with from said speakers?