In 1912 Edison sent his salesman out across the country to pedal his new disc phonograph. The price was up to $250. That’s about $40,000 today- for a record player. But things got better. In 1968 a Marantz Model 18 stereo receiver cost $695. That’s about $5700 today for a 40 W/ch receiver. I remember my dad buying our first color tv in 1968. A 25” Philco I recall it costing about $450 or almost $4000 in today’s money. That was big money back then. No vacations for a couple of years.
Stereo receivers and TV’s are much cheaper and more commonly found these days but were once considered hi end luxury. We lament the high prices of luxury but historically that is how it has always been. Same as it ever was, as they say.
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!