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Why are so many companies like harbeth making old speakers designs and charging thousends?

Hi everyone I am a little confused about the speaker market. I had been two dealers that sell totally different products. The one I had been to which I bought my forests from sells Totem And Monitor Audio and B&W. though I went to the other that sells Harbeth And audio note speakers which they recommended me buying. And the problem I have trouble understanding Is when I spend thousands on a speaker. Especially my next big purchase. That has no real new technology and is the size of my dads old conerwalls and never use to cost Thousands to build. With no technological advancements. to a product such as the totem that is small compact and modern for the wife approval , and to be more exact. The new Element line and technologically advanced like the torrent driver. Which I can get the same speaker as the same cost or less of the audio note and Harbeth and dose not need to take up the whole room or look like the 70's. Whats your opinion? Would you buy a product that is a 30 year old design that costs 5 times as more with the only diffinceses as upgraded silver wire and upgraded crossover components. To a thousand dollar woofer that is machined not stamped and has so much magnetic flux that it ca lift a car and no crossover?
jakecanada

Showing 5 responses by uncledemp

uncledemp
806 posts
 
Jakecanada,

Good questions. You can see from the responses that opinions vary as to pricing and value in the market, understandably.

From my limited knowledge it does seem that newer designs (last 10-15 years) allow some smaller speakers to produce lower frequencies than some past models. I'm sure there are many exceptions.

I bet if you shop around you can find something that fits your tastes and your home layout. Buying used (wisely) can take some sting out of mistakes and make upgrading less painful.

Good luck in your search.
uncledemp
806 posts
 
I agree. I saw an early Jaguar (E type 4.2) at a wine festival and talked to the owner awhile. It was the most beautiful car I have ever seen. The lines were perfect to me, like it was designed out of a dream, I suppose it was.

The owner said he loved it but was nervous driving it as it had no side mirrors. The original owner ordered it that way to preserve the lines.

Sorry for the off topic post, but there were several newer supercars there that missed the perfection of that car, to me anyway. A rolling piece of art. 

uncledemp
806 posts
 
Yogiboy- interesting, thanks for the link!
uncledemp
806 posts
 
Jji666,

I do the same. I'm very happy buying older models for much less.

Just bought some JSE .6 stand mounts for my bedroom. They sound great to me. At some point I'll probably rotate another speaker in and sell of give these to a buddy.

I hope to hear some Harbeths at some point, and think I will like them.

Fun hobby!

uncledemp
806 posts
 
I agree with Paraneer, pricing as to what the market will bear is pretty common. Then do your best to increase efficiencies, reduce scrap, buy better, sell more, etc.

Regarding retooling and equipment as expense, I agree with the initial spend- but one would hopefully realize improvements in efficiencies as result. 

I can see where it would be a competitive business. Especially  if you depend on distributors to educate customers and sell the value of the product vs price- assuming the product can be differentiated and has unique value.
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