Law Of Diminishing Returns?


I'm curious about what you enthusiasts think of the product or price that eclipses your definition of "value".  

As an example I have a rich buddy that just spent 100K upgrading his (former) Pass 600s / Bryston / B&W Signature 800s / JL Fathom 8 speaker  system. I have a discerning ear and cannot hear the difference between the old system and his new S5M Perlistons (4) , Anthem AVN90, ,ATI amp AT6005 (4) and four subs.

This got me to thinking- 80% more money for maybe 20% more sound quality? 

Where is the sweet spot for the discerning ear and the affluent but not Billionaire (think Doctor/Lawyer/Indian Chief) budget?  Can you get 80% HiFi sound for 20K or do you need to spend 100K to get that HiFi sound?

-Asking for a friend :)

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For me, diminishing returns has as much to do with my check book balance as anything. If there is a surplus in the checkbook it easy for me to fanaticize about the potential aural rewards of getting  a more expensive piece of equipment. If, after acquisition, I can't hear the increase/improvement of sound quality and I have correctly chosen the component,  I still have the bragging rights of ownership and can fib about the improvement it brought. Impress the hell out of the poor folks! :-)

For me, diminishing returns has as much to do with my check book balance as anything.

absolutely... well said, and should never be forgotten

all things hi end hifi are luxuries in life... take care of all the basics and essentials first -- family, kids, home, education, personal and professional development, security, meet all obligations for those whom depend on us... happiness and success in life is about careful prioritization

@mulveling  Some beautiful equipment  has cycled through your virtual system. Interesting the Tannoy has remained while so much else has changed.  Strong endorsement for those speakers.

 

@newbee I bet not many are honest enough to admit there's no difference in gear when there is none.