If you wanted an SUV w/ AWD that seats seven you'd have a choice between at least a dozen models from six or more manufacturers that all have dealerships within 50 miles of you. How many places can you buy a 300b mono amp within a 50 mile radius of your home? How about a tube D/A with balanced outputs? High end audio doesn't offer the variety of choices or the multiplicity of dealers that autos do. Therefore there is not the same market pressure to force more price competition.
Another factor is the luxury nature of high end audio. You cannot buy a maxed out BMW M series at dealer invoice. The people who want a luxury product are not overly price sensitive and dealers knowing this price their luxury products accordingly.
Another factor is the luxury nature of high end audio. You cannot buy a maxed out BMW M series at dealer invoice. The people who want a luxury product are not overly price sensitive and dealers knowing this price their luxury products accordingly.