What makes an expensive speaker expensive

Hi analoguvr,
Despite having the privilege to hear speakers that utilize various types of "exotic" materials for their drivers, paper implemented properly is still preferable to many listeners. High quality paper cones sound exceptionally natural. Personally I’d choose this option compared to an ultra detailed analytical sound. Paper cones and tubes for example never measure as good as their alternatives but they sure sound very much natural and realistic when done correctly. There are non paper driver speakers that sound very well without question, I just do not find them superior to top quality paper drivers.  Of course YMMV as is always the case. 
Charles,

Hi Ctsooner,
We can definitely agree that listening impressions are simply subjective and personal.  In this case Analoguvr posted comments that I could truly relate to. Coincidentally he and I also prefer   SET amplifiers so we certainly hear in a similar manner it seems. We're all fortunate that the High End audio market has products to suit a multitude of tastes. 
Charles, 

Hi ohlala, 
I didn't address ctsooner's comments about paper cone "breakup" as I want to avoid going too far off topic  (which is easy to do ). No matter the driver cone material of choice there's always a hierarchy of quality and performance.  Designer talent, knowledge and most certainly implementation are the determining factors. 

Paper cones done poorly will have obvious failings, if done right they'll sound wonderfully natural. Carbon fiber, aluminum, beryllium  etc.  The same principle holds true,  there's good and bad examples of all materials. 
Charles, 

Good discussion here and insightful comments from Tim. I don’t get the sense that anyone is "married" to paper cones at all. Rather they simply identify the natural tonality and sound quality that they can provide. Carbon Fiber, ceramic, aluminum, poly plastics etc. Each has its strengths and thus proponents as well as inevitable short comings. None of these materials are without some intrinsic  flaw, yet each can be used successfully with high level implementation.

Tradeoffs abound and choices must be made. Some would choose natural tone over ultra micro detail and some will choose the converse.
Charles,

Hi Pete, 
You make some good points which I accept as opinion but not fact.  I don't equate micro detail with emotion as you do. Emotion can be elicited by a variety of sonic or musical parameters.  For example in my case it's triggered by authentic and natural tone, timbre and harmonic overtones.  Another listener would have yet different triggers to spark an emotional response. One could make the argument that many modern speakers in the quest for Uber detail can sound analytical and even sterile. This type of presentation would be considered "accurate" by some. The point is this is guided by personal preference rather than some agreed upon absolute standard of right sound, wrong sound. If your benchmark ideal is say Vandersteen with carbon fiber drivers that's excellent for you. Other ears may prefer something different. 
Charles, 

"It's more of a discussion over beers than an argument "
Agree completely with this sentiment.  Just exchanging points of view,  that's what these forums are meant for. 
Charles,