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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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henry53's avatar
henry53
280 posts
 

Certainly buy runout gear, examples Focal Clear phones $2200, bought for $800, Audio Physic Speakers $5700 bought for $2900, Cayin tube amp $3600 bought for $1900 there are plenty out there. I rarely pay more than 60% for anything. 

mrskeptic
262 posts
 

For someone who's never had anything but a clock radio or boom box, an Acoustimass 5 system would probably sound sublime. For someone who is well off, a $30,000 amp may be the starting point. In other words, there is no magic dollar level where the sound improves in a largely noticeable manner. 

tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,597 posts
 

Over the years, I have replaced gear with more expensive gear a number of times and have always gotten a rewarding improvement in sound quality.  I always keep the gear being replaced until I'm sure the new gear is a worthwhile upgrade. I'd bet I could keep on doing this all the way into top of the line gear. 

We really shouldn't worry about what other people are spending.  You buy what you want and let others buy what they want.  It works out well that way.

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heretobuy
131 posts
 

More of a law of incremental improvement.

More to discover