"I'm a believer"

We have to take into account that a manufacturer’s "statement piece" is just that. It is a statement of the capabilities of the manufacturer. This would suggest a "no compromise" approach to EVERY aspect of the speaker in the range of "world class" speakers.. This would mean that everything you see, touch, and HEAR would stand up to (or exceed) the best of the best. Including esthetics.

I would suggest that the "law of diminishing returns" starts at about $50. Part’s Express offers a pair of 4 1/2" 2-way bookshelf speakers for around that price. Okay, you double the price ($100) and get bass extension. So, are improvements to 2 of the 10 octaves worth TWICE the price. "Common sense" say’s "No!!" The emotional, audiophile side of us says "Yes!. So, we keep doubling the price until we arrive at, say, $60k. Is a $120k speaker twice as good? Just revert back to the $50-$100 upgrade example for your answer. The same rules apply.

So the "ultra top end" has a market for those whose life choices are "this AND that", unlike us morals who have to choose between "this OR this."

Hope those six figure speakers hang around for a while. Even if their "diminishing returns factor" don’t pass the "4th grade math" test, yet put a smile on the faces of their owners.

@bipod72

I can’t disagree with your points. But, I think the key question is: "Did the customer get their money’s worth?" We have to recognize the intangibles in this equation: "owning the best of the best" or at the very least not having your "audiophile" friends look down on you because you don’t own "real hifi gear" -- the stuff the industry gurus say is pretty spectacular, Having a nice "trophy" sitting in the room is ample justification for some. Its not the "wrong" answer for those with the means to do so.

As I dealer, part of our Mission Statement was "Help people reward themselves for being successful." Some days it was a $12.95 wiring harness for a car stereo system. Other days it was a $1M fully automated home with high end home theater. From my perspective, it was unethical to deny someone the opportunity to audition better gear. Something a step (or two) above the price point they were interested in. No pressure. Just expanding their experiences with what high(er) performance audio can do.

For some, a $100k upgrade represents less than 1/10 of 1% of their net worth. A good call. As long as, in their minds, they're getting their money’s worth.

By the way, I own some old cars and a couple of older homes. I do most of the maintenance myself. I get the tool thing.