All points well taken. Is a Rolex President Really worth $32k based on price of gold and parts to mfg?? Its attractive because it's not accessible to everyone. Does a $5k bottle of wine really taste that much better than a good $100 bottle? The key is how would you know if you can't afford the buy in cost. I think the high end audio market is going in the same direction. Those that can afford the price of admission can convince themselves that they have the best money can buy without feeling the need to evaluate other lower cost options because like everything else, the more it costs the better it is right?? Wrong.....
has BAT priced itself out of the market?
I'm a big fan of BAT equipment and have used and loved their equipment over the years. My concern is that with the introduction of their REX series they may have lost their position in the "sweet spot" for most realistic and accessible products. I owned VK60 at $4500 which was reasonable for performance/ fit and finish. Now new REX amps goin for $40k and are basically same 60w-75w amps with enhanced driver tubes and upgraded capacitors. The appeal of BAT to me was always the look and sound of the product. It seems with the introduction of REX the looks have changed slightly, the sound has improved relatively but the price has increased ASTRONOMICALY!!!?? Also, not seeing their products showcased at as many high end shows anymore?? Does anyone else feel the same??