Mindset of the both buyer and manufacturer are at the heart of the matter.
Hifi usually has most of the energy focused on the best sound quality at the price point at the expense of fancy looks and bells & whistle features. Marketing by small companies often started in garages/basements is often an afterthought or minimal. Customers who identify as early adopters are attracted, and yes some go too far pushing snobbery and "insider knowledge" vibes that alienate others who are "hifi-curious".
Big Midfi brands marketing budgets contribute to their cost. Casual recognition of those brands by non-enthusiasts and big box distribution helps close the deal with the low-engagement customer. Manufs. compensate partially with large scale savings, but design decisions driven by committee, often result in sonic tradeoffs.
IMHO, price contributes but isn't the key. Their are tons of lower cost items designed and sold with noble sonic goals and achievement; DIY and kits included! At the more limited end of the financial spectrum themes of "punching above their weight class" and "diminishing returns" are common and relevant.
Years ago, I sold Sony, Bose and Onkyo at retail to pay for college. Many low engagement customers were happy. Then I went home and listened to music on my ugly green NAD amp and my tiny Mission monitors with grills removed and blu-tacked to cinderblock stands...and I was happy.
Cheers,
Spencer
Hifi usually has most of the energy focused on the best sound quality at the price point at the expense of fancy looks and bells & whistle features. Marketing by small companies often started in garages/basements is often an afterthought or minimal. Customers who identify as early adopters are attracted, and yes some go too far pushing snobbery and "insider knowledge" vibes that alienate others who are "hifi-curious".
Big Midfi brands marketing budgets contribute to their cost. Casual recognition of those brands by non-enthusiasts and big box distribution helps close the deal with the low-engagement customer. Manufs. compensate partially with large scale savings, but design decisions driven by committee, often result in sonic tradeoffs.
IMHO, price contributes but isn't the key. Their are tons of lower cost items designed and sold with noble sonic goals and achievement; DIY and kits included! At the more limited end of the financial spectrum themes of "punching above their weight class" and "diminishing returns" are common and relevant.
Years ago, I sold Sony, Bose and Onkyo at retail to pay for college. Many low engagement customers were happy. Then I went home and listened to music on my ugly green NAD amp and my tiny Mission monitors with grills removed and blu-tacked to cinderblock stands...and I was happy.
Cheers,
Spencer