My engineering/cable manufacturing friend built his small stand speakers based on an old Aiwa platform which has a 12' folded interior quasi-transmission line design. It uses a similar soft dome tweeter and 4.5" mid-woofer. It plays down to 25 Hz without power. Low organ notes are heard but not felt (obviously). Cost to build with custom crossover and cabinet is under $500. It would be comparable to a $3500 to $5000 retail. It has every bit as good sound as a Legacy Focus speaker but for the bass and that speaker retails for $10k+.
I've also noted that Swiss made audio products tend to retail for twice as much as comparable products. There is so much competition, I don't know how these boutique manufacturers stay in business without absolutely superior products for the money. My friends' business is booming and he has stacks of orders for superior handmade patented cables at low retail price direct to customers (hence no 50% mark-up there). His highest priced ($700-$1000) Pharoah line suffers though because when potential customers discover their low price, they balk saying that they must be inferior to high priced cables ($5K and up). This is a common occurrence (despite the money back 60 day guarantee).
Many audiophiles are just not wise in spending money to acquire quality sounding products. Snobbery is rampant in this hobby.
I've also noted that Swiss made audio products tend to retail for twice as much as comparable products. There is so much competition, I don't know how these boutique manufacturers stay in business without absolutely superior products for the money. My friends' business is booming and he has stacks of orders for superior handmade patented cables at low retail price direct to customers (hence no 50% mark-up there). His highest priced ($700-$1000) Pharoah line suffers though because when potential customers discover their low price, they balk saying that they must be inferior to high priced cables ($5K and up). This is a common occurrence (despite the money back 60 day guarantee).
Many audiophiles are just not wise in spending money to acquire quality sounding products. Snobbery is rampant in this hobby.