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Why Is Hi Fi Gear So Darn Expensive?

Why Is Hi-Fi Gear So Darn Expensive?! - The Absolute Sound

Interesting read.

"I recently heard a small 2-way stand mount speaker at a show. The sound was excellent. The product was priced at $50,000 or thereabouts, per pair. Allowing for distribution and marketing leaves about $25,000."

$25000 for distribution and marketing? Really? That much more for this than a similar product at 1/10th the cost?

I don’t doubt the marketing cost per unit could be much higher with boutique products. Makes sense. Is the cat is out of the bag regarding the value proposition of boutique products?

How about fancy fuses marketed for free here that cost practically nothing to ship? Oh my!

I guess there are "excellent" expensive boutique products and others that offer value everywhere. Hifi not unique. Take your pick! Live and learn!

The article also chalks up people’s reactions to high-fi prices to emotion. What about the sound they hear? Real or emotionally distorted? What would Mr. Spock think about that? I know he likes music...he plays a harp!

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Showing 2 responses by grislybutter

grislybutter
2,313 posts
 

@whart "they are just ardent hobbyists who don’t spend on boats, Ferraris, second or third homes, jet shares or whatever"

Regular people don't get to spend on boats and Ferraris ever. They may buy a new mid-size car once or twice in their lifetime.

95% of the people, including me are trying to pay their bills on time, and avoid penalties. We are not not billionaires, we have 0 money to spend at the end of each month. Spending $500 on gear is a magic trick we can pull once every 5 years or so, when the stars align.

grislybutter
2,313 posts
 

@whart good for you! I know most people here are above or way above average and I am happy for them, their ability to pay for their hobby. There wouldn't be Ferraris and 30K speakers without them.

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