I do understand this line of reasoning, but by selecting Omega speakers it means you value some aspects of their performance... Compared to, say, the new ELAC speaker at near the same price, the Omega is going to be much more sensitive to the equipment used with them, more resolving, more cohesive, etc... Well, it takes a more careful system setup to get the best results from a speaker like the Omega, there's more that can go wrong, but the trade-offs are the possibility of a better result. I say "possibility" because that's what it is, not a guarantee. In terms of overall quality of the rest of the system, below a certain point you're better off with a speaker like the ELAC because it will do more to hide the system's flaws.
So, to a certain point you're right... it doesn't make sense to spend $100k on system to drive $600 speakers. But on the other end the "entry point" might be a bit higher than you think, and you'll be rewarded for exceeding it. Even the least expensive Omega model needs a decent system around it to work as intended. In the specific case of the 3i you probably do need to spend a lot more than the price of the speakers on the rest of the system, and ideally A LOT more, multiples of the price. I've had speakers with RS5 drivers since they came out and the 4.5" hemp drivers since they came out. I've tried a lot of gear with them and I can say YMMV depending on the rest of the system, especially the hemp drivers, it's very easy to make them sound poor. RS5s are much more forgiving but if you want to hear what they are capable of you need a pretty good system to make it happen.
If you, or anyone, thinks the laws of diminishing returns kicks in quickly for anything in audio-land, you just don't have the experience to know better. I'm not trying to be harsh, but these are facts. There's been too many myths in this thread that, if believed, could actually do some harm and forums like this should be a place to learn facts and not myths.
Without discussing specifically a $100k signal chain feeding $600 speakers, we should dispel the myth that a pair of Omega 3's are $700 speakers (Level 1 finish) from a conventional sense. If we were to directly compare similar types of construction, materials used, and cost of components of Omega speakers vs. other high-end speakers
not mass produced in a factory in China were would expect the retail price of these speakers to be higher. Louis's margins are smaller than they need to be, his component cost is relatively low (few if any crossover components), and he sells direct, avoiding the typical 100% markup between manufacturer and retailer.
I'm going to make the assumption that the materials cost of a pair of Super 3i's in level 1 or 2 finish is about $350. He sells the Level 1 finish for $700, allowing 50% for labor and overhead. The Level 2 sells for $1,000 per pair. Real wood veneer may have only a slightly higher material cost, but requires more time in application, sanding, matching and finishing. There is also more waste if we are matching grain patterns. So in all, Louis is allowed $350 to $650 to pay for his time, rent, utilities, packing materials, and other expenses.
We can then compare this to the retail price of a couple of other speakers: The Harbeth P3ESR probably has a material cost of maybe $500 (it is probably lower but we'll be fair). These speakers are sold through normal retail channels at about $2,000 - twice the price of a pair of Super 3i's in Level 2 veneer. Of course, the Harbeths are built in higher volume and likely made in a Chinese factory. For a more direct comparison, we can look at the Trenner & Friedl Sun loudspeaker. This speaker (
http://www.stereophile.com/content/trenner-friedl-sun-loudspeaker#dSvhjWowtOqOYit4.97) is smaller than the Super 3i and takes different approach but is spiritually similar. The cost of the drivers alone are about $350, and crossover components would add another $150. Cabinet components will bring the material cost to about $600-700. These are retail prices but I doubt they are doing enough volume to get that big of a break on pricing. Maybe we can knock $100 of the price. Call it $600. These speakers - handmade in Hungary - retail for $3,450, a markup of almost 500%. There are very well reviewed and reviewers recommend putting $5,000 to $10,000 of equipment in front of them.
Are the Suns 3-5 times as good as Omega Super 3i's? Unlikely. They are certainly different. But because they cost $3,450 we don't hesitate to use $700 speaker cables with them. But because Omega's cost only $700, we choke on spending that amount on cables.
Canada Rob has stated in the past that Omega speakers cost too little, that if they cost more they would have more street cred. I'm thankful that Louis charges a fair price for an excellent performer. It is possible to spend two or three times as much money on speakers and get no better performance. Likewise, I could Jantzen or Jenson PIO capacitors for pricier Duelands and
may experience an increase in performance, but it is unlikely to be proportional to the increase in price from a $15 capacitor to a $150 capacitor.