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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!

128x128mapman

Showing 2 responses by lollipopguild

lollipopguild's avatar
lollipopguild
125 posts
 

Can't comment on the high-end prices, but I'm staggered by the inflation in prices over the past 2 or 3 years.

Admittedly, COVID, supply-chain issues and Brexit (here in the UK) have been disrupters, but looking at reviews only 3 years old indicate rises nearing 100%.

Paradoxically, it's made me spend more as if I delay for a couple of years on a purchase it will only be hugely more pricey.

lollipopguild's avatar
lollipopguild
125 posts
 

@fsonicsmith 

The trouble with the expensive watch analogy is that they require regular expensive servicing.  

When I sold my 20 year old Omega recently I had spent more on servicing than on the original purchase.

Hi-fi can require maintenance, but nothing like this.

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