Can someone explain to me why : Accupahse Equipment is that expensive ?

The benefit is clear to me. It’s to add an air of lustre and mysteriousness to the brand. The North American distributor is simply is indulging them. It’s definetly a good match for them.

I’m actually aware of the cultural differences in Japan and outsiders. They would prefer if their products were only sold to Japanese. It’s a sentiment that is deeply imbedded in public consciousness, it permeates everywhere and is why Japanese are actually one of the most xenophobic countries in the world.

Also if you guys were in the store with me and heard how I was being spoken to you’d be singing a different tune. Dealer was so rude, just in the tone of his voice and the way he handled things. I didn’t even talk about some other things he said. No way to treat a customer. 

I will share a story that I had while I was searching for my new power amplifier to buy. This happened about 3 weeks ago.


I wanted Accuphase E-800 but cost is $21,000 USD. I call my local store that sells Accuphase (just 10 minutes from me, PlanetofSound, they appear to be a subsidiary of parent company of the North American distributor, should this be illegal, I don’t know) and I ask them for pricing on E-800, ask if perhaps they had a demo unit that I could buy and if they would help with financing. 

Yes, Accuphase so expensive I could not seriously consider without borrowing a portion of the amp cost, besides if I pay back in 12 months no interest so it seemed like a good idea.

Anyway. Dealer was rude. Requested I come to store to discuss price. Since I am so close I did. When I got there he still would not give me a straight answer about price of the E-800 and I had to coax the answer out of him with much difficulty: CAD $28,000.

Obviously I expected this, since price of E-800 is $21,000 USD which is equal to $28,000 Canadian dollar. So I ask him if I were prepared to pay 2/3 up front as a non-fee payment, with the rest payable on arrival or when I qualified for the financing, would he be prepared to give me a 20 percent discount. He said no. He would not give me any discount at all not even if I paid cash.

I knew from the minute I walked into the store that he had no interest in making a sale with me. When I walked in he was not even busy, talking to a fellow employee and he asked me to wait as he was helping a customer setup his cart on his turntable. Someone was already helping that customer, I observed them simply talking and ignoring me... very frustrating service. But okay. What I couldn’t accept was the fact he wouldn’t budge on ANY sort of discount. I can’t believe this.

I’ve yet to contact the distributor but I have a feeling he won’t be sympathetic to my plight. I have a strong suspicion that the owner of the distributor for the company is content to have far fewer units sold at higher prices. He does not care about making less money due to this pricing strategy. I highly suspect management at Accuphase is also content in letting this happen. Maybe fact, they probably laugh at us North Americans paying these prices.

Price of an E-800 in Japan brand new, from the dealer is ¥980,000. That is just a hair over $9000 USD. Instead, Audio Alliance sees fit to charge $21,000 Does this sound fair to you?