There is a diminishing point of return on any component. Spending more doesn't necessarily get you much better sound. But it is the loudspeakers that you are actually listening to. They are the primary transducer in your system
In order to get good dynamic range, the ability to play at concert levels in a good sized room, have good imaging and a truly natural tonal balance, there is no way around spending a lot of money. But then "a lot of money" is a relative term.
Most of your hi-end loudspeaker vendors (Magico, Wilson, Focal, Avalon, etc) have a top line loudspeaker selling in excess of $50,000. Are they really better than a pair of KEF LS50 loudspeakers with sub-woofer augmentation? Depends on how much you're demanding from a system.
There are solutions which are an exceptional value. In most homes, I'd put the Dutch & Dutch 8c up against any of the $50,000+ loudspeakers. They have astonishing imaging, clarity and a great natural tonal balance. Damn near perfection. But they cost $12,000, which is far beyond what many would pay for loudspeakers. But what you forget is that they are a total system with built-in bi-amplification, built-in DSP and controlled directivity. You could run the D &D 8c with an iPad, a hi-res streaming service and be done. No preamp to buy. No turntable with expensive cartridge, phono preamp, etc. In light of that, $12,000 isn't all that bad.
Another cost effective solution to the extreme hi-end is the DIY Linkwitz LX521 system, which would run you about $6000 for loudspeaker components, cabinetry, active crossover, amplification and cabling. Again, almost a full system. Just add a preamp and the source of your choice.
So your question really starts with your requirements and budget.
In order to get good dynamic range, the ability to play at concert levels in a good sized room, have good imaging and a truly natural tonal balance, there is no way around spending a lot of money. But then "a lot of money" is a relative term.
Most of your hi-end loudspeaker vendors (Magico, Wilson, Focal, Avalon, etc) have a top line loudspeaker selling in excess of $50,000. Are they really better than a pair of KEF LS50 loudspeakers with sub-woofer augmentation? Depends on how much you're demanding from a system.
There are solutions which are an exceptional value. In most homes, I'd put the Dutch & Dutch 8c up against any of the $50,000+ loudspeakers. They have astonishing imaging, clarity and a great natural tonal balance. Damn near perfection. But they cost $12,000, which is far beyond what many would pay for loudspeakers. But what you forget is that they are a total system with built-in bi-amplification, built-in DSP and controlled directivity. You could run the D &D 8c with an iPad, a hi-res streaming service and be done. No preamp to buy. No turntable with expensive cartridge, phono preamp, etc. In light of that, $12,000 isn't all that bad.
Another cost effective solution to the extreme hi-end is the DIY Linkwitz LX521 system, which would run you about $6000 for loudspeaker components, cabinetry, active crossover, amplification and cabling. Again, almost a full system. Just add a preamp and the source of your choice.
So your question really starts with your requirements and budget.