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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...
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Showing 2 responses by bkeske

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,596 posts
 
If you bring used into the discussion.....

I purchased my 2006 Vandersteen 2Ce Signature I’s for $575.00 (actually gave the person $600 because he met me half way for a pick-up).

I think you would be hard pressed to get any other speaker the quality of the 2CE’s Sig I’s for that little. Most I’ve seen are going for $700-1,000. So I think I got a pretty good deal considering they were in great condition, but IMO, could be a good deal at those prices too.
bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,596 posts
 
@beetlemania

but there is now a 2Ce Sig III.

Yes, brand new from Richard. But as we are talking diminishing returns, and although I’m sure they are great for the money, even I would have a hard time making that purchase when I bought my Sig I’s for $600, or, $2,700 less than the III’s.

They, and their improvements, would have to awfully darn good to cover that gap in cost.

Interestingly, I first bought a pair of the 1C’s (later versions) in great shape used for $325 shipped. I knew I liked the sound so much after a very short time of listening, I found and bought my 2CE Sig I’s literally 2 months later, as I desired ‘more’. I still have the 1C’s, and use them for my rears in HT mode. So, for basically $900 have two pair of pretty darn good speakers.

The newest iterations of both would cost $4,780, PLUS tax and shipping.

I believe I did well, and came in well beneath any ‘diminishing return’ anxiety following my purchase(s).


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