What Do You Get When You Spend Megabucks?


It's my opinion that you could put together a high quality system for about $7,500 (MSRP). For those willing to spend more, great systems can be put together for $20,000 to $50,000. I don't think anyone could seriously question the overall quality of these latter systems, but they would in no way approach the state of the art. My question is, what's that something extra you get when you're willing to push the limits as to what is possible in home sound reproduction and spend major dollars (say $250,000+) on a single system? Another way of asking my question is, what do $80,000 speakers do that $15,000 speakers don't?

My question is a serious question and I have no ax to grind one way or another. I have significant experience with components that cost in the $3,000 to $15,000 range, but not much with products costing more. I'm very interested in hearing from those people who have made that rather large financial commitment to music reproduction.
128x128onhwy61

Showing 4 responses by lakefrontroad

Strangely, I just read this thread.

For me, what I get for a large cost is live music. Not in the trite sense, but in the visceral, palpable feeling of living people in the room with real instruments. I've only experienced it once elsewhere, at Andy Payors old shop with the Hyperions and that great room.

On cd/sacd the music is alive about 1/3 or the time, based mostly on the recording. I have yet to play vinyl, but that's coming.

Is it worth it? To me at this point in my life... yes. But, I wouldn't give up a meal for it. I still shrink from the cost. Each part of the total adds something.
And I think of the things not yet done.

But I keep remembering my goal; to bring back the dead back to life. It can be done, it only takes effort, willingness and money.

What I got that was different was the total package and performance. It's stunning without being impressive. It simply shocking that the music is alive. And everyone who'se been in the room has expressed similar reactions.

And by the way, it costs lots less than millions.
Nrchy,

You have an amazing ability to think your sarcasm is funny. You posted a question to me. If you didn't mean the question, I believe that you had no business posting it. I wonder about people who ask questions and aren't interested in the answer. I don't think I know cinematic systems, but wanted to be sure before answering your question.
Nrchy,

I direct you to your post of 5/4,
"That would be a good question, if anyone cared, but he sure knows a lot about the sound of other peoples systems."

I'm not usually sensitive, except when attacked by strangers. I was answering your question at the time of the attack.

I'm stunned once again by your post.