What is you were introduced to an $8K speaker that you really liked or a $4K amp that made your $5K speakers really shine? I can see having a budget as important but some might save longer or work harder for something they like better. I guess I'm wondering the same thing as @vonhelmholtz
Is there a ceiling limit on what you are willing to pay for an audio component?
A very informative fellow on youtube reviews high end audio gear. He pays an insane amount of money on ampifiers, speakers and digital sources. He tells you what he thinks about quality, price, customer service and performance on such brands as Magico, Boulder, Wilson Audio and many others.
So here is the question. What are YOU willing to pay for a pair of speakers? An amplifier? A DAC or turntable setup? I am interested in what you WOULD PAY, not what you have paid in the past.
For me, I cannot see myself paying over $5K on speakers and likely not more that $3K on any other component.... even if I had the kind of money Elon Musk has. Am I crazy in saying that?