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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 tablejockey

tablejockey
3,773 posts
 

 If the market wants something, they will pay-pretty simple. The last 2 years certainly didn't help.

It's not food, gas or necessity, so why should anyone complain?

It is what it is.

Retail markup is pretty insane from a consumer standpoint. I think a few here know what the dealer costs are on product. Consequently, a dealer generally has their share of challenges.

Mr. Spock would find Agon and its participants HIGHLY illogical.

 

 

 

tablejockey
3,773 posts
 

" The cabinets and parts are Chinese sourced what % not sure we will ever know."

dayglow-

Perhaps you are aware, much of all audio products have China attached to it. Especially many of those nice black lacquer boxes for those hi digit "USA" speakers.

Some of the crowd here for some reason seems to be adverse to reality.

If it were not for China, we would be either staring at empty boxes or paying  even MORE for the "made in USA with 100% USA parts INCLUDING nuts, bolts and zip ties and solder!  

Never gonna happen. I enjoy all my China made products.

Buy something vintage from the 60's and earlier for USA product.

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