Poor Fritz


There’s no better value and no one as willing to make bespoke speakers out there than Fritz and these forums treat his speakers as if they cost $200K.
They don’t. They are remarkably affordable and yet potential customers put him through the absolute ringer, asking for custom features, going through 2 or 3 models of home auditions and maybe not even buying any of them.

Look, you buy what you want to buy, but I think not enough credit is given to the man or his speakers in terms of the overall value proposition and I think this is a disservice overall.  If you write a 5 page review, please keep this very much in mind that you are not reviewing Wilson or Focal's flagships.  Maybe he doesn't deserve quite the same scrutiny.

erik_squires
Regarding the comment about the price mentioned, he will do them for $3250, shipping included. And return shipping if you don't like them. The Tektons mentioned are a much different speaker, so to each their own. But consider that Tekton will charge you for shipping one way, so if you try them and return them, you're out on shipping, but not on Fritz.

The other thing to mention is, as @jond  says, there are lots of factors to consider. The expertise and "ear" of the maker is one; the other is that sometimes supporting good merchants just requires that price not always be the bottom line. I buy books in my local independent bookstore despite what they cost on Amazon because, well, spending my money that way gives me a whole other kind of value. I pay a bit more for coffee at my local roastery/café, too. Anyone who is shopping for speakers in the thousands can afford to not insist that price is the ultimate deal-maker/deal-breaker.
From responses so far, I gathered that Fritz speakers are boutique products, somewhat more expensive than what competition would be. They use good parts and perform well within their physical limitations. Reviews are good, shopping experience seems to be unusually flexible, and you get a little exclusivity in your ownership. Add the fact that the man has a reputation of being a nice person and is doing the work himself. Those few extra things may be just enough for some to pay a few (hundred) extra dollars. Win-win.
I purchased a pair of the Carerra Be's from Fritz this spring. He called me after I sent him an email via his website. Spoke for at least an hour, with another follow-up of about 1/2 an hour. He was extremely helpful. I emailed him pictures of my audio cabinet and he found a finish for the speaker that complimented it perfectly. You could tell that he has a real passion for his work and pride in his product. I read several reviews before I contacted him and as I was contemplating the purchase. All of the reviews I could find were positive. I don't remember any that made me think "poor Fritz".  

It was my impression that his return policy is motivated out of a desire to have a satisfied customer and not a marketing gimmick. He wants to make sure that the speakers match your gear, room and listening preferences.

I am extremely pleased with my purchase. The speakers are everything I hoped for.   I don't have any experience with ultra-high-end speakers, but I feel as if Fritz's speakers give more than fair value for the money.