Dr. Floyd Toole at Harman is fond of pointing to graphs in his presentations that in double-blind testing, the majority of listeners identify speakers in the ~$1500/pair range as "sounding best" and that speakers that cost ~$20K fare as poorly in testing as <$300 speakers.
Granted, I recognize the commercial interest behind his assertions, but it's a point worth considering.
Ultimately, this hobby is a harmless pastime. I don't imagine anyone here is failing to feed and clothe their kids in pursuit of a better stereo, so more power to them if they want to spend their disposable cash on snoochy hifi gear.
Regarding Jwales' comment about relative worth, that's reminiscent of what George Carlin said about drivers.
Granted, I recognize the commercial interest behind his assertions, but it's a point worth considering.
Ultimately, this hobby is a harmless pastime. I don't imagine anyone here is failing to feed and clothe their kids in pursuit of a better stereo, so more power to them if they want to spend their disposable cash on snoochy hifi gear.
Regarding Jwales' comment about relative worth, that's reminiscent of what George Carlin said about drivers.