I saw a video where a coffee expert was blind tested to see if he could distinguish different levels of coffee. He did really well, and explained that somewhere around $30 / lb the actual quality of the coffee was completely topped out. After that It's just differences that aren't necessarily better, just distinctions he could pick out because he was so familiar with them. So he was able to tell the even higher priced coffees apart because he was familiar with their distinctive characters. That's the boutique effect. When you're talking about $1,000,00 worth of speakers and electronics, I'd say that's 95% boutique sound if it's just a 2 channel stereo setup that isn't a stadium filling professional concert system.
What does 90% of the Absolute Best Sound Cost?
Like many things, I have come to believe that the cost of incremental improvements in audio come at exponentially increasing costs - e.g., big improvement from $5K to $10K, less so from $10 to $15K, etc. All of us have our limits regarding what we can/will spend to achieve our best possible/practical audio experience. So, a couple of questions that I am sure are at least somewhat subjective.
A. What does it cost, in terms of components, interconnects, and direct furnishings (e.g., racks, isolation pads, surface room treatments, etc.) to achieve 90% of the absolute best sound possible?
B. What % does $50,000 get you?
FWIW, my setup is at about $21,000 actual cost ($32,000 original retail) and I am really happy with it right now. All of my incremental spend for the next couple of years is going to be working the room itself. Looking forward to your perspectives!
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@mglik let me fix your comment for you: I am having a hard time understanding how one can quantify sound quality and scale it against expense. If anything, it seems a very individual thing. Moreover, I disagree that cost to quality is an exponential relationship. But to each his own. Now, if that doesn't make sense to you, perhaps you should repeat kindergarten. Kind regards- The dumb, deluded ignorant OP |
Best is individual. Some people desire anachronism while some want all the Silicon Valley names in their solid state gear. Others like sculpted, art pieces like antique clocks. There are big rooms soaking up power and small rooms running on flea watts. And their are mid price value investors like myself owning two different Ice Module amps with my other two amps a Panasonic SA-XR 50 and Peachtree Carina 300. |
- 56 posts total