http://www.thestereoshop.com/bowersWilkins800.php 24k dollars most people probably wont hear a diff. vs 1.5k speakers...
Kind of like wrist watches. I was happy with my $200 Seiko... Until I got a $1,000 Cyma... and then Until I got a $2,000 Tag... (No, I'm not ever blowing $20,000 on a Rolex!... it's just a farkin' watch.) Where does it all stop?? If you shop well, you can get a really terrific stereo system these days for $2,000-$2,500.* Beyond that, perhaps it's just bragging... *20 years ago I spent more than that for a pair of Kef 104s
Don't doubt that for a second. Some "download" music is poor... even at best it's only "OK"... suitable for background listening only... which is OK for what it is... I do a lot of that myself... shooting pool, working in the garage... but no comparison to a high-quality CD (or vinyl) played over a fine sound system.
Interesting topic. I find I do most of my music listening through itunes in the home office at the end of the day. I finally got tired of listening to poor computer oriented speaker systems that I bought a pair of event alp5 reference speakers. http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan07/articles/eventalp5.htm Compared to my Klipsch /M&K Sub home theater they certainly are flat and directional, but that's what reference speakers are for. For anyone in a similar situation I highly recommend looking at a similar setup. Good to hear a personal review of the axiom speakers.