What makes an expensive speaker expensive

The "exotic" cone materials mentioned break up as well, perhaps not as prominently in their used audio band, but beyond that could be another story, and one that requires its measures. Certainly what matters here is the nature of their break ups. The tonal qualities, as highlighted by charles1dad, is also affected through the use of different cone materials - surely an important parameter? The associated use of typically butyl rubber surrounds for such (usually midrange) drivers also comes to mind, a material which high damping properties to my ears can quench some of the "life" of the sound. It's not only the use of cone material and surround ditto (and T/S data), but the sheer radiation area of the cone is also of significance. I've never quite fancied the sound of smaller mids drivers below 6" as I often find them to lack substance and fullness. As Mr. Ebaen says in his review of the WLM Diva's:

"10-inch paper cones with hard cloth surrounds simply sound different than 5-inch Beryllium or ceramic cones that are hung off loose butyl rubber. The former are more natural, relaxed and full to my ears. In turn, they're not as overtly 'resolved'. The sharpness and leanness often associated with accuracy is missing.   

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It's a speaker that will tweak certain people because it lacks what they consider prerequisites for a hi-end worthy design - narrow baffles, small midrange drivers, exotic diaphragms, famous tweeters. WLM gets by with apparently lesser ingredients. Still and to my ears, the end result is a more inviting, tastier dish. What that really says about current high-end hifi sensibilities you may ponder yourself in some spare time. "

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/wlm/divamonitor_4.html

Indeed I'd go so far to say that a +12" driver, with paper cone and cloth surround, is a necessity for the required energy in the lower mids and upper bass, but I gather that's another story.

Jim, let me take a stab at the Vandy 1's vs Totem.  For this price range Richard is using pretty expensive parts under those covers.  That's been his whole deal starting with the 2's many years ago.  The cones and drivers are derived from his more expensive speakers since he came out with Treo's on up.  The 1's also got better drivers and keep getting them as he keeps upgrading.  He also does a ton of listening and choses the best sounding boards and components for the price of the speakers.  

The 1's are not the same crossover set up at his other speakers though. That said, for the price I think they are amazing. I heard those Totems recently here in CT and felt they were very good speakers in this price range also.  Plenty of good choices.   

Thanks ctsooner that is interesting & helpful.

To vander off topic (get it, vander instead of wander ), while I admire and appreciate the thoughtfulness put into the Vandersteen 1ci's and other vandersteen models, the sweet spot is too small (something like a square foot). You move a little bit, or there is more than one person listening, or there is a slight mis-measurement and the benefits are lost.

Jim, I hear that from folks, but honestly, it's much larger than a foot or so.  Everyone on the couch in my house enjoys them greatly.  Like many great speakers, the sweet spot is smaller than others.  There are always tradeoffs with any speaker build.  Richard has chosen the best sound he can give you in it's price range, but that means that it won't be a sweet spot for the whole room.  I find most speakers with large sweet spots to be unfocused a bit with no true sweet spot if you would.  Again, this is a general thought as I think through my recent auditions.  I know that recently at an event for the 7s, the sweet spot was very large.  Larger than I remember it being for the mk 1's.  I also think that the Niagara 7000 made part of that difference as we all felt the sound stage was larger and more realistic than usual.  I try to always take the time to maximize the room acoustics when I'm able to.  After that I do take the time to dial in my speakers.  I've always had a sweet spot for two if you would, but the rest of the room never seems to suffer at all.  I'm the only one who ever listens critically and even then, I enjoy the music so much with the Vandersteens, that I won't have a problem with the sweet spot, but that's just me.  Most audiophiles I speak with Jim, seem to listen alone when it's critical time.  It's going to be a personal thing of course, but honestly, for the price if you want a special sounding speaker, the Vandy's will give the critical listener a great sound and that's why he has and continues to be the sales leader in these price categories.  

Not saying you are wrong, but its' one of the trade offs and none of us who have them for long periods of time seem to have that problem.  :)