How do you justify $125.00 for a new vinyl record

I purchased the Yes Fragile One Step Album. I always liked that record, so I took the plunge, to see how good these records really are. I compared a regular pressing to the One Step and there is a huge difference. Listening to Mood for a day, it sounded as if Steve Howe was playing the guitar in my living room. There is more body and clarity at the same time making me feel the emotion of the performance. Incredible! Then I listened to the regular pressing again and it was a letdown. So is it worth it ? My answer is hell yes. I know they are expensive and I can't buy too many of them, but I'm sorry I didn't buy Santana Abraxas and a couple of the earlier ones because now the prices of them are really high and out of range for me.

Back in the early 80"s MFSL made UHQR's that listed for I think $50. Have great packaging and sound fantastic. Now the new 45's sound really great and they sell for about $50. They're not quite as good as the UHQRs, but with inflation, those $50 records would probably cost at least $200 (maybe $400 depending on what inflation numbers you look at). Try buying a used UHQR of Dark Side or Sergeant Pepper. Much more than $400, and if it is new, probably $1000.

I resent the collectors who never play and enjoy an album, and then try to sell them later on for profit. It's not a stamp or a coin. If someone is going to enjoy a record, then they can pay whatever they think it's worth. If they are a monopoly money VC or investment banker, then their opinion of worth are usually a lot higher than mine.   

My (ex)wife threw away a cutout album, Toshiko Akioshi, Lew Tobackin Big Band, Warming Up.  I miss that album more than all the others.  I found one for sale....$400.  I don't miss it THAT much.

I guess you could compare the price to West Palm beach's only audiophile store's $1500 and $2000 LP'S.