Why are record cleaners so expensive?


Full disclosure: I have only the Spin-Clean record cleaner and a Hunt EDA brush to clean my vinyl, but as someone who's been in the digital side of audiophilia for decades, and as someone who knows how much gear can get in any dedicated hobby, I'm still curious as to why a high end vinyl cleaner can cost more than three grand.

I'm not disputing the price; after all, Smith said that something's worth whatever someone pays for it. Moreover, a high end record cleaner might be able to do things to vinyl that nothing else can. Still, paying three grand for an Audio Desk cleaner seems a bit out of reason. $3K can buy a good set of speakers; a hand-made fly-fishing rod based on your height and weight and arm length; two weeks at a Fijian resort for two; a custom-made suit from an Italian mill. So why is a glorified vacuum cleaner $3K?

Again, not flaming, just curious. Enlighten me?

s
simao

Showing 6 responses by samzx12

LMAO I am sorry but I have been in this hobby for years and not meaning to start a flaming war but seriously thousands for a record cleaner? I literally am shaking my head right now because the 1st thing comes to mind is Harley Davidson riders. Total sheep. Buy into anything Harley.  If it's branded HD they flock like sheep and will spend $$$$ because of either ignorance or buy into their expert marketing. Guys really I get bored also and over analyze this hobby but wake up and smell the roses. If it makes you feel better and have the money to waste feel free but your conscience has to get the better of you. Geez!!!
Cleeds what I am saying spending that much on a cleaner is just nuts. But of course if you can afford a gazillion dollar cleaner and it makes you feel good then so be it but there has to a little voice in your head saying this is ridiculous and I have to not be of sound mind lol. :)

Dgarretson cool bikes. One of my riding buddies has a Ninja 1000 but not with ABS.  I have a Triumph Speed Triple. Before that it was a Honda CBR1000rr. Not sure where you live but I am in Lexington KY so not too far from the Smokies :)
Samzx12, I envy your moto location. I did the Blue Ridge & Diamondback loop last fall on the Ninja with full bags and the wife. On a side trip I followed three local long-beards with ladies on Harleys from the ridge down into a valley for gas.  I was fairly impressed how well they ran their hogs through the twisties.  It's a great place to learn.    

The Smokies are some of the best roads in this part of the country. Thats hilarious you following the HD guys as unfortunately I have done that several times. Some of those guys can ride and some get majorly pissed off if you pass them. Let the faster riders through plain and simple. But like you I did follow this guy and his lady throught Deals Gap one pass and he could ride. The dude was dragging hard parts through every corner so I stayed back and enjoyed the show. When we stopped at the Overlook I went over and shook his hand and said great job throwing that heavy bike and dragging parts. He laughed and said thanks and we chatted it up for awhile. 
And yes I agree to each their own. It just seems so silly to me to spend that much on a cleaner however, normal people do NOT understand how we spend $1000's on amps, preamps, etc... Maybe I don't understand the higher dollar cleaners but let me make it clear I am not meaning to offend anyone :)