Now that you’ve said this first, I didn’t have solid facts to prove it but I was wondering if this wasn’t priced based on corporate/industry standards myself. Which is why I would pause to consider consumer segment alternatives before I spent over 10 grand on a pair of these (although with their frequency response one might be able to forgo the costs of a sub in some listening spaces).
I don't actually know unfortunately; I only have a growing understanding of how techno-economic trends shaped the evolution of music. This feels very much in line with previous behavior but without actual books it's all conjecture.
I absolutely would never suggest someone spend $10 grand on this in a consumer segment generally. I think people can achieve the sound pressure levels and fidelity they need for less. Specifically by using a pair of 8"-10-12" subwoofers that will run maybe $1500 and some good source DSP+measurement loops. But it would start getting close, that would have to be ~$4-5K once it's all totaled up. Expanding the number of channels arbitrarily going forward would be difficult though.
So I guess it really comes down to what is the system's intended outcome?
- Ambient music: directivity is a hindrance rather than an asset.
-/+ Domestic distance: If you can afford the speaker you can probably afford the house they fit in.
+ Strict classic 2-ch: you could easily do worse and it would take effort or money to be better.
- (Doesn't really look great though if it's a
S T E R E O you're looking for and not a 2-ch system.)
+ Modern 2.X system: You could do better with just some effort, but it's no slouch and is clearly a worthwhile contender.
++ Multi-channel systems: It doesn't quite bring it's own +.1 with each channel, but it's pretty close and very flexible in usage (good jack of all trades).