Disclaimer: I'm a total newbie here.
I understand why electronics can be very expensive from an engineering and parts cost perspective.
But I just don't understand how these speakers can be so expensive. I mean I found a Hi-Fi shop in Paris which specializes in DIY kits using quality parts from Audax, Supravox, Davis Acoustics etc... This shop also sells assembled speaker kits with quality finishes (high gloss paint/veneer). Most of the components are assembled in France. The assembled speakers range from 200€ to 10,000€. You can realistically spend 2 or 3k€ on a serious pair of speakers. You can audition every product in the shop as you please. The service is nice and very helpful.
And that's how it should be (IMHO). No magic. Just a list of parts and a bunch of customization options. Buying a speaker should be like buying a kitchen.
Taking a broader perspective. Most small boutique speaker manufacturers sell bookshelf units for 2k~3k€ and tower units for 5k~20k€.