Does anyone really need to spend 10k on power

Onhwy61,
You miss the" point" the entire context of the OP is based on the premise of cost/value of a product and what others are comfortable spending. The analogy of BMW vs Magico speaker doesn't change the original assumption. The worth of either of these two items will be determined by knowledge and familiarity with them by who's doing the judging. I'd say far fewer of the general population are aware of high end audio products so how could they have any meaningful sense of relative value when comparing to an automobile. Value is a combination knowledge of the product,desirability and functionality. At the end of the day it remins what someone wants to do with "their" money. I've never understood why is this such

an issue

To answer the OPS original question, for home use (not larger scale commercial applications), I doubt there is any real, in terms of being quantifiable, need to spend 10K to fix ones power.

But I can't prove it, and I'm sure there is someone out there with a big thirsty power amp or amps, power quality issues, the needed budget, and bothered enough by the problem as perceived, who would disagree with me. If done right, which might be somewhat costly, I would expect results to be no worse than before, at a minimum....an expensive (audio) insurance policy per se, that provides peace of mind at a minimum. How do you put a price on that?

Of course, one might argue that one (ie the audiophile) is a little nuts in the first place to worry so much about such things, but that is another story for another conversation.

I will be the first to admit that I have overspent most likely on audio gear in the past mostly as an insurance policy against inferior performance so as not to cut any corners.

We are all in this hobby because of (1) a love of fine music or (2) a love of fine equipment, or both!!!
Cost is relative, The more we experiment with new and different equipment the more our perception changes as to value verses cost. I have experienced expensive interconnects, power cords and conditioners that can make quite a difference in a given system but may be overkill in another. There is a saying in audio.... IT IS ALL SYSTEM DEPENDENT!!!

How each of us spends our money is of course nobody else’s business. However, surely the purpose of this forum is to share experiences/knowledge? In this case, can anyone justify spending $10k on a power conditioner? Personally, I have no idea. All I know for certain is many claims about the superiority of one interconnect over another (often costing many $k) or regular thick copper speaker cables over ones made of exotic materials and complex construction technique are often just over-inflated marketing hype. I suspect expensive power conditioners are just the same. I know at one time Krell would not endorse the use of after-market power conditioners for their products; I wonder why?

I once went through a phase of auditioning some expensive interconnects; could I tell the difference versus simple well-made interconnects? No!

My stereo system is comprised of a MacBook Air (2012 MY running OSX 10.8.3) with Audirvana Plus, via USB to a MF V-Link 24/96 USB to S/PDIF converter, feeding, via a Toslink cable, a Krell HTS 7.1 (DAC and volume control) into a Krell KSA-250 power amp and B&W N801 speakers. I could not be happier, OK I exaggerate somewhat, if money were no object I am sure some changes would be made!

The point of my ranting is; would my system sound any better with the addition of a $10k power conditioner? I very much doubt it. However, If anyone wants to lend me their $10k power conditioner I would be more than happy to experiment and report back.

its all about elementary economics.

the value in use = the value in exchange is the necessary condition for a transaction. people attach subjective valuation for any material object. the estimated value is subjective and applies to all luxury goods.

there is no absolute value for any luxury good. it is based upon what the market will bare--the law of supply and demand applies in some cases as well.

how do you estimate what a power conditioner is worth to the buyer ?