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The new dynamic in speaker pricing

Yesterday I received the latest issue of the Absolute Sound mag. This issue has the round up of the varying speaker manufacturer’s wares along with the retail pricing. One thing that struck me is the number of speaker manufacturer’s who have a speaker in their line up that cost close to a $1M!! There are good number of speakers now available with prices in the $700K+ range. A few manufacturer’s are also a little ’glib’ with their top model pricing, such as Oswalds Mill--who state- price upon inquiry only!

This new speaker pricing dynamic is interesting, as it clearly indicates that there are buyers out there who are happy to pay these prices and presumably enough buyers to make these products viable. A trend that is certainly interesting and yet questionable as to how it will impact the hobby as a whole.

Opinions on this trend?

128x128daveyf

Showing 2 responses by deludedaudiophile

deludedaudiophile
493 posts
 

@barts, many who can afford Ferraris (not all) can also afford to take them to the track and live with the consequences of their screw up. Who is going to take their speakers to a different room if they don't have a custom one? Of course, who has their own race track :-)

 

Almost no one young dreams of owning a 7 figure speaker. There are an awful lot of people who dream of owning a Ferrari (or some equivalent).

deludedaudiophile
493 posts
 

@jl35 

My personal opinion, and really, it is only that. I have a sneaking suspicion that the average person who spend $500K+ on speakers is not an audiophile. I am sure some are, but I expect many are not. I would even question how many of those speakers end up in the very necessary to extract full performance highly customized and tuned room. (Of course I would also questions whether these are really as good as the cost, but that is another discussion). For some people, these are truly audiophile items, but I suspect, again purely opinion, that for many, these are simply luxury items for those with very very large disposable incomes. Without the fully customized room and all the tuning associated, other than visually, the audio experience you will have will be no better than someone who spent far less, but has an acoustically proper setup. This would extend to crazy expensive turntables and electronics as well.

 

 

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