When Will the DAC Singularity Be Reached?

I propose their is a lot of changes on the Horizon, 'AI' is going to infiltrate every area of Industry.

As the Software that supports it, becomes more affordable, the trend will most likely be smaller producers will be buying into it.

With the Former information at hand resulting from AI already having been used for certain applications,

There is certainly going to be a New Reign of Interest for the Audio Devices and the Circuit Designs.

The following are not a secret to work out a how a Product is costed.

The Design for the Circuit and Topology, along with the Parts chosen are one factor used to create a end price for a mainstream audio device or a commission built design.

Add to this the Aesthetic Design, where depending on the styling, the end design can add a substantial increase to the pricing of the audio device.

How the product is packaged for shipping will also add to the costings.

Using a Supply Chain or dealing Direct as a means to reach a Customer is will also have a cost implication to be calculated.

What is not typically identified is the required Mark Up to cover the Companies Overhead, as a break even calculation.

Some Companies have a Policy of Over/Overs, with the latter being a cost included as a Buffer to cover a period of Bad/Slow Business, unfortunately the Loyal Customer or New Customer will be subsidising the Over/Over.

Then there is the Minimum Profit, There is for some Models a price tag is a close match to the above costing combined, and for other Models a Minimum Profit, that far surpasses the combined sum of all the above costings being created.

With a producer who's Marketing Intention being one that is substantially uplifting a Models Value, and then the same Model being available via a Supplier, that is wed to substantially adding monies to generate their Mark Up. It is very easy to see a product quickly find itself as being in the price range of Tens of Thousands. 

I have experienced through one to one conversation the Types of Mark Up a intermediate Supplier/Sole Importer, who has a very small overhead, is very happy to add to a offered product.

I have also had Bespoke Products built, even a DAC and once the Circuitry, Topology and Parts are identified, a Case can be selected.

The budget for the Parts does seem to have a Cap, 'Pardon the Pun'.

The Budget for the Case is without limitation, the end design can be substantial if the monies are wanted to be spent.

Add the time to be charged by the EE-Designer/Builder, and again a reasonable accuracy to a figure can be produced.

The Bespoke way certainly side steps ludicrous Mark Ups for a sale item.