Preference for speakers that are half the price. Has this ever happened to you?

My $1800 Tekton OB Sigma from 2018 still impress me in my bedroom system. I like them so much I filled out a request on Tekton's site for the same design with bigger drivers and upgraded tweeters but they said no. 

In the 80’s I remember the B&W series speaker second from the smallest sounded great while everything else in the shop sounded like crap. There’s another thread on this forum a gent says he prefers the KEF q line to the r, and personally I wonder if the only way to get high quality sound from hi end speakers is to invest huge into components. Ignorance is bliss.

I prefer smaller scale classical music to large scale.  For smaller ensembles, large speakers are not true to life.  Bloated images, a mouth of a singer 6 feet tall instead of inches of focus.  Listen to a single live unamplified singer.  HE/she is a point source in real life even with a body acting as a resonator.  

Do an experiment with friends.  You don't have to be good singers.  Listen to a single singer.  Then spread several singers out singing in unison.  Even if everyone is singing together, sonically it is a mess of mud compared to a single voice which is clear.  The group of singers is like a tall speaker with many of the same size drivers.  Sonic mud.

Smaller speakers are cheaper and actually better for lots of music.

In general, the more you know, the less you have to spend. Its perfectly normal to prefer a component that costs less. The sound of your system depends more on knowing what your preferences are as a listener, and how to properly match your components. For example, person A say, "Here's a list of my components. Give me some suggestions that will improve sound quality.". Person B, "Here's a list of my components. "Currently, I'm not happy with the highs in my system. They are too bright and aggressive for my taste. Give me some options.". 99% of the time, person B has a much better chance of being happy because they have a goal, and they can clearly articulate the problem. 

Also, with speakers, price isn't always reflected in performance. Companies like B&W and Wilson put a lot into the appearance of their speakers. Companies like Vandersteen and Magnepan focus more performance than looks. There's nothing wrong with wanting a speaker that looks good. Just be aware that you may have to spend more.  

Thank you all for your comments, they are very helpful !

@052rc I understand, but I may not yet be experienced enough to put my feelings into words. The Il Cremonese gave me more emotion, but I can't quite explain why!

@audiokinesis, @robonco thank you for your explanations and experiences, which make me want to go back for a second listen even more. Better to be sure!

@dynacohum, yes, I loved the Il Cremonese, I thought they were fabulous!