Law Of Diminishing Returns?

Another element of the audio journey which both OP and respondents have left out is the pleasure of the journey itself. As with travel, often the voyage is as important as the destination. With every equipment upgrade, and slow adoption of every new technology, I have found the process of adaptation and expansion just simply a Fun Activity. When upgrading components I focus on ONE at a time (including cables) so all other variables are kept constant. Is the $5k amp 2x better than the $2500 amp? Not even close. But is it noticeably better? Sure. I find the degree of improvement best tested by moving backward: once the ears have embraced the $5k amp, backshift to the $2500 amp now in your secondary system. The downgrade is more noticeable than the upgrade. And there is great enjoyment in Learning Experiences such as this one.

very well said @hickamore

this is a very nice articulation of my own journey over the many many years in this wonderful pursuit

to the other comments made, i would remind everyone that there are plenty of people in society with more money than sense, with more money than good taste, with more money than time, with more money than good values -- this is hardly news... maybe the news is that some hifi manufacturers are more overtly profiting from this age-old reality

the presumption in this thread, and in this forum, i think, is to have well meaning discussions and assistance provided to help people interested in doing the smart thing, make wise purchases, to maximize enjoyment for the effort and resources expended in this field of home hifi music production...

@henry53  Focal Clear headphones never sold for $2200. Both the original model and the later Mg model came on the market for $1500.

I think most everything we do in life involves the concept of "diminishing returns". 

I love cigars. And happily I've found that I don't have to break the bank to buy, say, Cuban puros over other less expensive smokes.

Same goes for wine, cars and yes, audio.

Do I begrudge the OP's friend who spent all that cash? Not a bit. Have at it and enjoy, I say. But I have to wonder were I in his well-heeled shoes if I would make the same call. Fun to think about! 😉

Happy listening...

To each his own...enjoy the music, don't buy "trinkets" that you cannot afford.

And yes, there is a point of diminishing returns, although it happens on a personal level!

Regards,

barts

Certainly buy runout gear, examples Focal Clear phones AUD$2200, bought for AUD$800, Audio Physic Speakers AUD$5700 bought for AUD$2900, Cayin tube ampAUD $3600 bought for AUD$1900 there are plenty out there. I rarely pay more than 60% for anything.