LOUNDSPEAKER FOR $10,000.00 PER PAIR

@fleschler $1.5 million Von Schweikert Ultra 11/VAC 450IQ/Kronos system
The next time I have an extra $1.5 million and a concert sized hall to fill, I'll have to pick up one of those systems. For now, in my little 14'x26' music room, I'll stick with a nice pair of stats or ribbons.
If I had an extra $100K, I wouldn't mind a pair of the VAC 450IQs though....Jim

What I was explaining is that one can obtain 50% of the best audio reproduction system can offer at $50,000 for analog or less for digital.  Treating the room acoustics is where one should start and a good sounding room lowers the cost.

@fleschler I totally agree about room treatments. Also important is, even minor, adjustments to speaker placement....Jim

Even after speaker placement, my Legacy Focus speakers needed Hallographs to focus the sound.  The name of the speaker is not the end all in imaging until tweaks are added to the room acoustics.  Totally opposite omni speakers like the Carver Amazing Speakers.

+1 more for the Legacy Audio Focus SE.

Nothing else mentioned comes close.