Why does Esoteric refuse to update its older models ?

 The biggest reason to update a component, aside from radical tech changes, is to differentiate it from the previous one. BAT, for instance, had been producing its VK-300 integrated amps for almost 20 years before "upgrading" it to the 3000 series. It's hard to sell something that may be 20 year old (used), and they probably got complaints from dealers. The 3000 (now obsolete?) looks almost exactly like the 300s. BAT has released a whole new line of electronics (see website).
Balanced Audio Technology

Esoteric wants you to buy the new stuff! Capitalism: Out with the Old - In with the New!

newer is always better, always!

for someone... 🤔🤔🤔

The only manufacturer I recall offering upgraded models was Ayre. Right now Denefrips is offering an upgrade circuit board for their Terminator dac, but other than that?  I don't think it's a common practice, at least as far as I've seen.  Unless you are using "update" to mean "repair"?
That's an issue with several companies, often due to to the lack of parts.  I know Naim can service virtually everything they've ever made, which is kind of cool.  

Esoteric is constantly evolving. They dont even use DAC Chips anymore.  There is no money in upgrading which is why companies don't bother with it.  ESOTERIC is always changing ownership which doesn't help with consistency either. They are always chasing the next buck to keep the doors open and stay solvent 

@jasonbourne52 that is not capitalism  it is consumerism and psychology. Under standing your customer and their desire and willingness to pay big $$$$$$ for the latest and greatest. 
As @riaa—-blah blah blah said there is no $$$$ in up dates unless the upgrades are modules (Simaudio/NAD) that you are selling hardware for $$$$ and you get your customer back in the Stereo Studio. 

chayro

The only manufacturer I recall offering upgraded models was Ayre. Right now Denefrips is offering an upgrade circuit board for their Terminator dac, but other than that? I don't think it's a common practice ...

I think the practice of a manufacturer updating equipment is more the exception than the rule. ARC is especially noted for being willing to update older components.

@riaa_award_Collectors,

Esoteric has been a subsidy of Teac Corp for over 40+ years.  They do NOT change ownership.  Perhaps you are referring to distributors? 

And Teac investors were Gibson, Integra, Onkyo....TEAC is NOT on its own. Wouldnt survive without larger corporations investing.

Gibson is bankrupt and Onkyo is suffering also.

In March 2015, Onkyo purchased Pioneer Corporation's Home Electronics Corporation, which produces home cinema amplifiers, Blu-ray players and other AV products. In return, Pioneer took a 14.95% stake in Onkyo. The Ohtsuki family remained the largest shareholders of the company with an approximately 26% stake,[1] just above Gibson Brands, with a 16.5% stake.[3]

With the bankruptcy of Gibson in 2018, Onkyo's shares held by Gibson were sold, as the company itself reported.[4]

In the summer of 2020, major US retailers Amazon and Best Buy discontinued sales of Onkyo products. A call to Onkyo USA's customer service line indicated the number is no longer in service. Distribution of Onkyo, Pioneer, Integra and Elite products has changed hands from Onkyo USA to 11 Trading Company. However, as in June 2021, Amazon has on sale Onkyo audio systems and related products, although mostly pre-2021 models

In January 2021, Onkyo announced it could no longer take direct orders from UK customers, citing new post-Brexit regulations and fees as the reason. As of June 2021, there has been no further update from Onkyo.

Onkyo acquired Pioneer's consumer electronics division in 2015; following the acquisition, both Onkyo and Pioneer A/V branded products continued to be available in the UK. However, Pioneer's consumer electronics website for the UK is no longer available. It was previously available as https://eu.pioneer-av.com//uk. The Pioneer Europe GmbH website continues to be available for EU customers. Onkyo's / Pioneer's former UK address in Ruislip is listed as permanently closed.

In May 2021, Voxx International/Sharp Corporation began negotiations with Onkyo to purchase the struggling company. On June 3, 2021, Voxx announced that they had reached an agreement; Pioneer and Pioneer Elite are not part of the deal.[5] On June 25, 2021, Onkyo shareholders approved the Voxx acquisition.[6]

iaa_award_collectors_on_facebook

And Teac investors were Gibson, Integra, Onkyo....TEAC is NOT on its own. Wouldnt survive without larger corporations investing.

Gibson sold its stake in TEAC. TEAC actually has many investors - it's a publicly traded company and currently trades around 125/share, which is down substantially from its historic highs.

Onkyo was crap in the 70's and as far as I am concerned, still crap.  If it wasn't, it would still be selling well.