A community for discussion around all topics related to headphones and personal audio.
Diminishing returns occur because satisfaction is subjective.
It also occurs sometimes when we attempt to use the wrong solution (e.g. buy ever more expensive headphones) to fix a lack that requires a different remedy (e.g. what you really want is the sound of an old audio format).
F1, less than 2% of speed separates first and last.
Diminishing returns can be applied to even more than that. My friend and I apply what we call the 80/20 rule to our whole lives. The idea is that you can get 80% of the return for 20% of the effort (this is a generalization).
The other side of the equation is the last 20% of the returns take 80% of the effort due to 'diminishing returns' - we call this perfectionism - where you spend 5 times the effort to get to that 100% return.
It's similar to your example with the headphones where your 20% might be a really nice $2000 pair which would provide you that 80% return. However, in order to get to your 100% return, you'd have to spend $10000 (again, generalization).
Just my two cents on the phrase. I am a fan of it too, and it can have great implications for your life if you apply it well.
Diminishing returns is an economic concept and term. No doubt you have something similar in German, at least to those who studied the field.
I mean diminishing returns describes an asymptotic relationship, and asymptotisch is definitely a word in German
Diminishing returns is entirely subjective when it comes to hobbies, especially anything where the rating of quality is also subjective. There is no agreed object criteria for "good" in audio. Some say clarity of signal is the gold standard, others value classy coloring of a sound. Some value build quality, others value a fancy looking headphone. Some value comfort, others value portability. There are a plethora of criteria people could find important. It really depends on what a person values and whether they feel that the extra cost is a worthwhile investment. Most people agree that there are diminishing returns. However, the price point and quality that is being diminished aren't agreed. Infact it's even more complex than what I stated. Personally, I've spent far more than your typical consumer and have the opinion that diminishing returns hits far UNDER the price point most people expect. Yes, ive spent the money, yes I enjoy my gear, however it's hard for me to see the thousands of dollars value in the headphones I have vs something like a DT770. I can ceetainlt hear a difference and REALLY enjoy the clarity and soundstage of my headphones. However, i still feel that 90% of what i desired is achieved theough cheaper gear. Not everyone will be the same.