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.
Something you outlined very eloquently in your second-to-last paragraph is how that oh-so-slippery-slope feels to lose your footing on.
It’s like a constant drive to keep one-upping yourself, even when you can’t afford it, and even when what you have is perfectly fine. I love music. Researching headphones feels more like a compulsion.
I believe “ignorance is bliss” applies as soon as sound quality enters the chat… and quickly goes out the window thereafter if you’re not careful!!
Yep… I would tell my 18-year old self, don’t listen to those Stax headphones that are 100x of what you can afford