I don't know how the ELAD sounds nor have I heard any of the Krell gear. I want to respnd to Tomcat55's remarks as I have heard this sort of thing before. If every item's price where directly related to parts cost then video games should only cost a few dollars, most cars should cost less than half MSRP, etc. Most people seem to forget that research and development cost, not parts cost, can be the major factor in determining retail price. Combine that with small production runs and you have high retail prices. I've been in the software industry for over ten years. That CD of xxxx game or software package you own costs next to nothing to duplicate, package and ship. But the development costs can run in the 10's of millions! Development costs include salaries, office space and supplies, and equipment. You also have to add in advertising, marketing, and in some cases the cost it took to win the contract.
Does all of this mean that I think Krell is reasonably priced? My answer is, I don't know. It is easy to question price paid or asked based on parts since that is all we physically get from the transaction. But don't forget the other cost factors I've mentioned. Do you know for a fact that Krell doesn't pay their employees twice what other companies would, gives them nice bonuses, and decent medical coverage? Do you know how much these "high-end" companies spend on research and development?
Disclosure: I do not work, or ever have worked, for a company producing or selling audio equipment. I am a software engineer by education and profession.
Does all of this mean that I think Krell is reasonably priced? My answer is, I don't know. It is easy to question price paid or asked based on parts since that is all we physically get from the transaction. But don't forget the other cost factors I've mentioned. Do you know for a fact that Krell doesn't pay their employees twice what other companies would, gives them nice bonuses, and decent medical coverage? Do you know how much these "high-end" companies spend on research and development?
Disclosure: I do not work, or ever have worked, for a company producing or selling audio equipment. I am a software engineer by education and profession.