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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?

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Showing 2 responses by tsacremento

tsacremento
65 posts
 

For many, it's more fun to get the same performance level for small bucks.

tsacremento
65 posts
 

I think one is always paying a hefty premium for "statement" design and esoteric materials with a "luxury" product, not necessarily better performance. As a subscriber to the FFF ("Form Follows Function") philosophy, I generally avoid such products.

When the function is audio reproduction, the visual aspect of the equipment, including design, fit and finish, and "unobtainium" materials may contribute nothing. Given the same level of performance, I will generally choose the less expensive product over the more expensive prettier one. However, if the more aesthetically appealing one is priced only marginally higher, I will sometimes pay a little more for that, but not so much an order of magnitude.

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