When browsing this subreddit, you often come across that phrase, diminishing returns.
I’m German, English is my second language, and there isn’t really a German phrase for this concept that would be on everyone’s mind when talking about this concept like ‘diminishing returns’ seems to be.
It’s a really neat concept and is true for so many hobbies, or things one can buy in general, but it is also ultra subjective, isn’t it?
Like, if someone has a 2000$ headphone but doesn’t really like it, and then spends 4000$ on one that they do like - does objective performance matter? I think the difference between the 2 could be 5%, but if it’s 5% in the right direction, they make the difference between selling it or keeping it and being happy.
I think there are people out there who don’t really shop in the 2-digit price category, or even 3-digit one, only 4 and above, for whatever reason - but they just wouldn’t be happy with a 500$ headphone, knowing that there is better stuff out there if you just spend the money.
I don’t really have a point, I just got a bit philosophical about that phrase I guess.
In my opinion, the problem with a lot of these comparisons for diminishing returns is there is no set value that correlates to the sound quality you are getting. Meaning:
So whenever people say “I bought $xxx price-tier of headphones”, it is literally meaningless, unless they also state exactly which headphones they have in hand.
Until there is some sort of objective grading system to correlate quality with pricing (i.e. A-tier is $1000+, B-tier is $500+, C=tier is $250+, etc.), the concept of value for dollar is always going to be highly subjective and arbitrary. Not to mention, with inflation, the scale would also need to be readjusted on a yearly basis - much like tax brackets.