$39,000.oo Aavik Acoustics U-380 Class-D integrated amplifier

Lets consider, for a minute, the First Watt SIT-3.

What are you paying for? The Black box? The handful of components in it?

Big difference don't even know how you can compare.

A Nelson Pass (god) designed black box, still multiple x less $, with still more parts costing inside.
Not what come down to a Chinese $100 subwoofer plate amp module, built here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZCxCg-QWDQ&feature=youtu.be

Cheers George

Are the parts in a comparably-priced A/B amplifier (Gryphon, D’Agostino, Soulution, etc.) more expensive than the ones in this amp? How much more expensive?

The cost differences are massive >50, especially when you factor in the power supplies also (SMP v Linear), for the same wattages compared to one of A/B’s you’ve chosen.
  
That’s why the mighty buck increase looks so tempting to the Class-D makers and swingers.

To give you an idea just one of the power supply caps in a linear amp you mentioned can cost as much as the whole SMP power supply in a Class-d

Cheers George

Yep, if I remember right they were $100 each in lots of 25 on Alibaba.
Would surprise me if Pascal got that stopped, being a big user of them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZCxCg-QWDQ&feature=youtu.be
Got to love the seats they sit on all day making the modules, real good for you🤦‍♂️.

Cheers George

Should rolls Royce stop making cars too?

If they put a Daewoo motor in it and sell it for the same, like they did with this $39,000usd glitz box. Then YES!.

Or maybe we are helping the economy just a little bit when we buy.

If you want to help the economy by buying this, go for it. I believe it’s just lining the pockets of the maker, and he doesn't give a **** about the economy.