An audiophile dilemma

Rok2id, you seem very comfortable with your envy and lack of knowledge of high end loudspeakers. If you're happy, then I'm happy too.

Compared to the typical audiophile manufacturer JBL/Harmon have massive amounts of resources devoted to R&D. Because of this they are capable of producing very high quality, cost effective components. I would recommend highly their current production passive 3 way studio monitor (LSR6332) costing slightly over $3k. Honest performance at a reasonably price. Why wouldn't that appeal to audiophiles?

The OP doesn't say that the stage monitors are every bit as good as some expensive audiophile speaker. Instead he talks about being happy with the stage monitors. His question is whether the audiophile oriented products are better than the JBLs. Related to that question is whether everyone really needs all the speed, low resonance, detail and resolution offered by modern loudspeakers. It's not like everybody wants a 600HP car.

Rok2id, you are a frequent contributor to this site. If you cannot figure out what are commonly considered great speaker, then there is little hope for you ever moving past you preconceptions.

One loudspeaker can cost significantly more than another for the same reason a Porsche cost more than a Subaru. Both have four wheels, the same style engine, disc brakes, etc. The Subaru even has 4WD, something only the more expensive Porsches feature. While there definitely is an element of luxury goods present, there also are engineering differences between the two cars that could easily justify a large price differential. It's in the details.

If you've never heard better quality loudspeakers, then why such a strongly held opinion against them? Also, we're not talking about state of the art, we're talking about great loudspeakers. I'm thinking along the lines of Totem Model One, ProAc 2, Vandersteen 5, Magnepan 1.6, Quad 63, Gallo 3.5, Harbeth 40 or Sonus Faber Cremona.

At least Mr. Schroeder has the common courtesy to list his system on-line.

People shouldn't feel sorry for Rok2id. His Polk speakers are very well regarded as a high value/performance item. Polk has the resources to produce very fine quality products and if you believe the reviews, the LSI15 is an excellent product.

BTW, I think Subarus are great cars and I would buy one over a Porsche 6 out of 7 days a week. (Porsche does make a very nice AWD SUV, not that I actually need a luxury SUV).