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Diminishing Returns

I know the point of diminishing returns is different for everyone, probably dependent on their inclme, how much importance they place on the stereo, and to exactly what sound they will be happy with.

In these times (not pandemic but rather trickle down tech) where I feel like you are able to get more for your money, what price point do you feel you need to be at to achieve audio nirvana?

I was researching the absolute least expensive speakers and found that the Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2, the Wharfedale Diamond 225, Triangle Borea BR03 are a few that get excellent reviews and can be had for around $500 or less and it got me thinking...

At $1000 the Whatfedale Evo 4.2 looks very compelling (I loved the Evo 4.4 at RMAF last year)...

At $2000 there seems to be some seriously stiff completion...

Just a fun discussion regarding what you think are outstanding deals sound wise, what the speakers are and how much they cost.  No “well such is $10,000 and it competes with $100,000 speakers”.  I’m talking for the average person who isn’t making $100,000 a year.  I’m talking $5,000 or less, less is better, much better.  I understand that for some, $5,000 speakers are like $500 speakers to others, no need to point out the obvious.

What I do want to know is speakers that you feel punch waaay above their price point and at what price (the lower The better) you feel like diminishing returns comes into play.  Also, lets try not to make this a Tekton DI conversation because it looks like they are the answer to this question at $3500; lets get some others in here that we may not know about.

If this thread sounds dumb to you, sorry, and just move on please!

Another one in question for me would be the SB Acoustics Satori Ara kit...
128x128b_limo

Showing 3 responses by bdp24

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,510 posts
 

Cool @b_limo. If you live 150 or more miles from an ET dealer, you can buy the LFT-8b factory-directly with free shipping.

Regarding durability, the Linear Field Transducer (LFT) has been in production for over 30 years, unchanged! That midrange driver (two used in the LFT-8b) is built to a very high standard, far superior imo to those of Magnepan (no offense Maggies owners, of which I am one).

The ribbon tweeter is used only from 10kHz up, no need to worry about burning it up. The limiting element of the speaker is it's 8" sealed woofer (180Hz down), but that can be ameliorated with the use of a sub or four.

As for resale, you rarely see the LFT-8b for sale. It's a keeper! Sort of a modern day Quad ESL (lack of coloration, transparency), but able to play much louder. I'm not alone in considering the LFT-8b the current greatest value in loudspeakers.

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,510 posts
 

Very true about the ET LFT-8b, @tomic601. But for whatever reason, no matter how many times they are mentioned, people just like the OP continue to ignore them. I give up! ;-)

Plus, as he was mentioning $500 loudspeakers, I didn’t want to suggest a $2499/pr model. Another planar to consider, assuming you have at least 3’ minimum (5’ better) to sacrifice behind them, is the $650/pr (plus shipping) Magnepan LRS, with one to four subs.

I would take either of the above before a lot of far more expensive speakers, but I’m a planar enthusiasts. Not everyone is. Planars are like Country music or Opera: you either love ’em, or you don't.

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,510 posts
 
If you have the self-confidence and DIY spirit required to build a kit, nothing beats a GR Research loudspeaker (and/or sub).
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