While there are far too many variables involved to be able to generalize meaningfully, I would say that the extra $9K will often go towards a larger cabinet, perhaps more drivers, and perhaps a larger woofer or woofers.
All of which will mean deeper bass response, perhaps greater sensitivity, and perhaps greater ease handling high volume peaks. In turn eliminating the need for a separate subwoofer in many cases, and in some cases also reducing the necessary amplifier power, and hence the cost that has to be paid for an amplifier that is otherwise similar.
Certainly there will often be significant sonic differences as well, within the limits of each speaker's frequency range and dynamic capabilities, but as I said I don't think it's possible to generalize about them in a meaningful way.
Regards,
-- Al
All of which will mean deeper bass response, perhaps greater sensitivity, and perhaps greater ease handling high volume peaks. In turn eliminating the need for a separate subwoofer in many cases, and in some cases also reducing the necessary amplifier power, and hence the cost that has to be paid for an amplifier that is otherwise similar.
Certainly there will often be significant sonic differences as well, within the limits of each speaker's frequency range and dynamic capabilities, but as I said I don't think it's possible to generalize about them in a meaningful way.
Regards,
-- Al