Law Of Diminishing Returns?


I'm curious about what you enthusiasts think of the product or price that eclipses your definition of "value".  

As an example I have a rich buddy that just spent 100K upgrading his (former) Pass 600s / Bryston / B&W Signature 800s / JL Fathom 8 speaker  system. I have a discerning ear and cannot hear the difference between the old system and his new S5M Perlistons (4) , Anthem AVN90, ,ATI amp AT6005 (4) and four subs.

This got me to thinking- 80% more money for maybe 20% more sound quality? 

Where is the sweet spot for the discerning ear and the affluent but not Billionaire (think Doctor/Lawyer/Indian Chief) budget?  Can you get 80% HiFi sound for 20K or do you need to spend 100K to get that HiFi sound?

-Asking for a friend :)

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I've been saying that for years and many posts here seem to agree wiht me that starting with some really good speakers and some basically competent components added in with 'The Law of Diminishing Returns' as stated here, yo can enjoy the best part of best music. I would never want to deprive someone from spending a $100k + for a system, but would not desire a (#&$*% to talk trash about MY system. and I do continue to improve my system as time goes by and opportunities present themself.

Around $50k for a full range single source system - source, amplification, speakers and cables. For these purposes full range covers dynamics and bandwidth capable of generating adequate spl's in a medium/large room.

 

It's true in any category of goods & services.   The 80/20 rule definitely applies here.   80% of the improvement comes with the first 20% spent.

I used to own a Porsche and a 1936 Ford (at the same time).  Drove them on nice weekends.  Not daily drivers.

I have no right to criticize what someone spends on audio.  An old Chevette would have been as useful.

My diminishing returns are about there for me.  My audio gear is a joke to most folks here, but that's OK.  I spent my career around a lot of loud, spinning, machinery.  I choose to not spend more than I can hear.