I think you could ask this question in many different industries. Why is this kitchen faucet $5000 and this one $500 or this one $100. Why is this shirt $1200 and this one $200 and this one $20? There is generally a curve on actually quality, materials and style but at a certain point it’s really just about whether you want to spend the money or not. Some companies pride themselves on being handmade. Some just survive under the umbrella of their brand. Is Louis Vuitton’s leather really that much better? There will always be insanely expensive and probably overpriced pieces of gear because there can be and people will pay.
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!