I have been fortunate prior to COVID to be able to listen to a range of systems owned by others, in the dedicated listening spaces produced, where the value of the systems being presented can range between less than £8000 and up to £200 000, where in the most expensive set up, and item can cost as much as £80 000 retail.
Each of these systems are put together by very knowledgeable individuals who have done a fair amount of footwork preparing for their system choices, being very selective in their choices for building a system.
The systems are produced using methods where a particular device is bought and overhauled / modified (this is desirable when certain valued components used in a schematic are very rarely found). The other method being, where very well thought out choices for system matching with readily available devices is carried out.
My own system is produced using mainly Bespoke Produced devices, either as a commission bult device, or a complete rethink for a design that has been a readily available product.
I can assure anybody under the impression that uber expensive devices are going to create for them their best listening experiences, that there is substantial impressions that can be made by being prudent and carefully selecting devices that work in favour of the end listeners unique preferences for how a device presents.
This as a method does require a amount of money will be required that can be equivalent to the cost of a used vehicle, but certainly does not add up to monies that will be similar the cost of a residential property.
For an individual to get to this position, the knowledge to make a choice is not readily available from using evaluation from others found in media, or from forum recommendation, it takes footwork from individuals interested in the pursuit, there is a requirement to receive demonstrations and singling out items that have made a good impression during a evaluation, and individual can be quite unique in their preferences, especially for what is attractive to them and leaving a very good impression.
I have been present when a reputable DIY Solid State Power Amp Design with a build cost of approx' £1200, was demonstrated along side a +£50 000 Soulution Power Amp, and I failed to separate one over the other for being the better in the system used, I wasn't the only in attendance coming to this conclusion.
My take on it is whether the Soulution is an inferior design for the monies asked for it, or is both Amp's being compared sharing similar qualities within the design, but Soulution has a Marketing Strategy that places it at the cost being made known.
