Law Of Diminishing Returns?


I'm curious about what you enthusiasts think of the product or price that eclipses your definition of "value".  

As an example I have a rich buddy that just spent 100K upgrading his (former) Pass 600s / Bryston / B&W Signature 800s / JL Fathom 8 speaker  system. I have a discerning ear and cannot hear the difference between the old system and his new S5M Perlistons (4) , Anthem AVN90, ,ATI amp AT6005 (4) and four subs.

This got me to thinking- 80% more money for maybe 20% more sound quality? 

Where is the sweet spot for the discerning ear and the affluent but not Billionaire (think Doctor/Lawyer/Indian Chief) budget?  Can you get 80% HiFi sound for 20K or do you need to spend 100K to get that HiFi sound?

-Asking for a friend :)

yesiam_a_pirate

Showing 1 response by quattr0

@jjss49

diminishing returns does not mean lack of positive returns, that last few percent improvement may well be worth it for those who choose to pay for it - this applies for many many fine things in life, not just hifi

Sorta agree and disagree as this is mostly personal.  If I would have known the last few percent improvement cost 6 times more than my first system, I wouldn't do it. Yup, it's my fault as I pulled the trigger without carefully evaluate "what kind of volume I want to listen to most of the time".  While my new system gives me better clarity but I really need to crank up the volume to enjoy it. At low/normal volume, I would prefer my old system as it is way cheaper. I guess there's that word..synergy when you've found it.