@calvinj although I agree with you, given the negative reactions to your innocuous post, as a dealer and therefore someone who can be characterized as biased and/or self-interested (probably unfairly), it is best to refrain from making a similar post in the future here. Envy/spite is rampant across the internet as other have mentioned, and even when a social commentary post like yours is not directed at an individual, anyone who has ever posted out of envy/spite is going to unconsciously pick a fight with you - on some level no one likes to be reminded (even indirectly) that he is not a baller. As for envy/spite, the ballers laugh their asses off at the haters not just on hifi but houses cars chicks jets yachts art etc. Either you're a baller or you're not, better to live with the fact than roil/baste in self-loathing.
WHY IS THERE SO MUCH HATE FOR THE HIGH END GEAR ON AUDIO GEAR?
It seems like when I see comments on high end gear there is a lot of negativity. I have been an audiophile for the last 20 years. Honestly, if you know how to choose gear and match gear a lot of the high end gear is just better. When it comes to price people can charge what they want for what they create. If you don’t want it. Don’t pay for it. Look if you are blessed to afford the best bear and you can get it. It can be very sonically pleasing. Then do it. Now if you are also smart and knowledgeable you can get high end sound at mid-fi prices then do it. It’s the beauty of our our hobby. To build a system that competes with the better more expensive sounding systems out there. THOUGHTS?