The "curve" is asymptotic. You can spend more and more, but you are never going to get all the way there. Find a spot you are comfortable in and enjoy the music. Nobody ever gets to the top of the curve. Nobody.
For myself, I am at the beginning. I've been involved with audio for over 30 years. I have alot of experience, and even worked in audio salons. I have embarked on an experimental journey which embraces alot of DIY, custom made products, and generally very out-of-the-mainstream stuff. I'm currently into micro power systems, and short signal paths, with acoustic air and room coupling to take up the SPL slack of the low power output. In other words, high efficiency, but no horns. IMO, front-horns go too far. I have small amps, and huge speaker enclosures with high efficiency single drivers. Synergy with a system like this is very very complex. Some might compare it to deep-sea fishing with ultralight tackle. It provides me with a new set of challenges that go beyond the usual, and stretch my capabilities. At the same time, it has worked very well to greatly improve my musical enjoyment, by giving me a deeper look into the music I have listened to for years, and not heard as much, as I am hearing now. I am also finding that it is possible to reach great heights in reproduction, without spending as much as some think necessary. If you think you're near the end, then find a new road.
For myself, I am at the beginning. I've been involved with audio for over 30 years. I have alot of experience, and even worked in audio salons. I have embarked on an experimental journey which embraces alot of DIY, custom made products, and generally very out-of-the-mainstream stuff. I'm currently into micro power systems, and short signal paths, with acoustic air and room coupling to take up the SPL slack of the low power output. In other words, high efficiency, but no horns. IMO, front-horns go too far. I have small amps, and huge speaker enclosures with high efficiency single drivers. Synergy with a system like this is very very complex. Some might compare it to deep-sea fishing with ultralight tackle. It provides me with a new set of challenges that go beyond the usual, and stretch my capabilities. At the same time, it has worked very well to greatly improve my musical enjoyment, by giving me a deeper look into the music I have listened to for years, and not heard as much, as I am hearing now. I am also finding that it is possible to reach great heights in reproduction, without spending as much as some think necessary. If you think you're near the end, then find a new road.