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

…….I was recently looking into their Power Conditioners as well as their Amplifiers and for a company where there is very little reviews done on their products, along with a small ( here in the US anyway )  almost a cult following if someone could tell me why is their prices the way they are. I just don't understand it. I have listened to their equipment and is nice and the build quality is very good but ; I always said to myself ; '' Not for that price ". I do not mean to be in an any way inflammatory with this statement but is :  Accuphase the McIntosh of the East ?  McIntosh makes some nice stuff but is no way priced like Accuphase, however it seems to operate very much with the same business model ; you are paying for the name and the pride of ownership and the sound is very much dated. Maybe I am missing something here and the sound is very good and like Rolex you buy a piece and you are set for a lifetime. FM Acoustics is also another one of the those companies......Just looking for a really good amp and these companies come up in my search but I am just sitting here scratching my head ?           
garebear
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astewart8944
499 posts
 
Gary, I don't know the answer to your question, but I note that your "Rolex" by analogy has sparked interest in watch comparisons! :-) This clearly doesn't help you since you are not watch shopping. FWIW I have stayed away from Accuphase for the very reasons you are facing now. I couldn't find enough US owners to speak with me about the products. I hope you find the answers you are looking for. And BTW my Cardas Clear Beyond XLs opened up a bit more since we last PM'd.
Regards
Al
garebear OP
1,154 posts
 
Okay guys  - thanks but the post was not about watches, but about Accuphase. Got to bring you guys back on track here.... Thanks Ericsh - as I have been looking at Luxman who have straightened out their distributor issues here in the US and seem to make some really nice stuff. I never thought that the sound of Accuphase was all that special. Maybe as I noted ; they are like Rolex where any watch can tell time , but it is gear that sounds very good and will last you many , many years without any issues. So are they that good is still the question ?      
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
+1, schubert,

I have a Timex that is doing pretty much the same thing as the Casio. My wife got it for me at our first Chrismas after we got married. That was 38 years ago, and it still works like new. It has a program date that  goes out to the year "2023". I remember laughing about it back then when I saw that future date capability. 38 years later, I don't think it is a joke anymore.....
schubert
7,386 posts
 
I have a 15 year old Casio that I bought for 15$ at an Army Exchange
that loses 1 second a year , little less really .
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
+1 for Luxman!
ericsch
753 posts
 
Look at Luxman. Same quality, lower prices.
erik_squires
16,121 posts
 
I'm not a fan of Rolex per se, but you cannot argue with their resale value over time. I don't know of any watch brand that keeps it as well. 

If I were to own one, I'd like one from the '60s though. :) 

Best,

E
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,009 posts
 
lostbears,
That was my point. All good watches will last many years if properly maintained.
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Marketing hype! No better or worse sounding than made in good old USA gear! Trophies for the high rollers!
lostbears's avatar
lostbears
538 posts
 
Regarding Rolex, they are no more of a lifetime purchase than any other good watch, like Omega, etc. Just an overblown legend.  

  I have had my Rolex for over 25 years and it still works perfectly. I have my dad's 1952 Oyster and it still runs. A Rolex will last a lifetime if you take care of it.

  Accuphase like some other made in Japan brands is very expensive here in the states. It costs a lot to make stuff in Japan. It is similar to making stuff here in the US. But the quality and support of Accuphase is superb.



garebear OP
1,154 posts
 
Thanks Roxy54  - but you really didn't answer the question . 
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,009 posts
 
I think it is overpriced in the US, but apparently more affordable in Japan and eastern countries. Every piece of gear has "a sound", but I don't  know what a "dated" sound is, although it seems to be a popular hang tag on Mac gear, which I think is unjustified.
Regarding Rolex, they are no more of a lifetime purchase than any other good watch, like Omega, etc. Just an overblown legend.   
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