Hey, we don't get no respect


...to paraphrase the late and great Rodney Dangerfield!

When it comes to quality, luxury, or status items, people seem to know brand names of very expensive cars, private jets, jewelry, watches, clothing, upscale communities, etc. Yet, when it comes to audio, Bose is considered to be an expensive and luxurious audio brand [their marketing model is exceptionally successful]. Just the other day, CNBC reporters doing a piece about luxury gifts were shocked that a pair of B&W speakers had a $12,000 list price. I am not "bad-mouthing" B&W. Point being that a $12,000 list price for a pair of speakers, while unaffordable for many audiophiles, is much less expensive than many other speakers, and certainly does not carry an "only in my dreams" stratospheric price.

What's your opinion about this?
fatparrot
High quality audio/music is an acquired taste, just like many of the finer things in life. Most people, first of all, have never been exposed to a truly exceptional hi-fi music system, or if they have, it has only been for a very short period of time, maybe just a few minutes. After seeing such a huge range of reactions from people experiencing the high-end music at my house, I've realized that some people get it and some people don't. More of them might get it if they could take the time to start to listen for the subtleties and details.

The second factor is that it actually takes discipline, training and practice to truly appreciate the enjoyment level that good music on a great system can provide. I am still discovering deeper levels of appreciation for good music, because I take the money, time and effort to do so. The same evolution is also happening with my appreciation of good wines; the more I learn about them and sample and discuss them with other aficionados then the more I enjoy and appreciate the subtleties and nuances, and the more I find out what I like and don't like. Both hobbies are fun, relaxing, and rewarding. And fortunately both hobbies complement and enhance the enjoyment of the other.

As for media coverage, don't get me started on the laziness, inaccuracy, and incompetence so prevalent now in that industry.

No time to worry too much about that stuff, gotta go sample that new CD and new bottle of Pinot that I picked up today on the way home.

Cheers!

$12,000??? Look at all of the recent ads. You can buy a pair of Nautilus 800 Signatures all day long for $2,000. Jeeeeesshh!!
It isn't the $12,000 that's outrageous; it's that CNBC chose to highlight a lowlife speaker line. I guess that speaks to the low ratings CNBC books.
"I haven't decided if the majority of music listeners simply aren't particular about audio quality,or they just don't care" Don't get me wrong-I do care and love buying gear as much as anyone,but the famous last words of an audiophile always seems to be-"its all about the music" If this is the case why are they wrong and were right? If you can enjoy your music collection without listening to it thru audiophile grade components-is that such a bad thing? My personal situation would afford me to drive vehicles way beyond what I drive now,but its just not that important to me. This probably wouldn't be the case for someone with a passion for sports/luxury cars, regardless of their income level. Truthfully I think paying 12K for a pair of speakers is just as extreme as paying 75K for a car of a boat. With that said I'm sure someday I'll own a pair of 12 K speakers,but I'd have a hard time justifying my need for them-other than the fact of just because I wanted them. FatParrot- Are you really suprised at peoples reaction to this story? And other than being humurous,why would you feel even slightly offended?
When we finally decide to get serious about wanting respect from the general public, we will have to begin with proper naming of these high end products.

People don't understand terms like Krell, ARC or B&W. Give them something they can relate to and they will pay attention long enough to come around to our point of view.

I suggest as a start, "Fatparrot Ultimates" as a speaker name.

Once the customer hears the salesman refer to the big burly box in front of him as OB 1 (or obese Parrot One) his resolve to spend money will vanish.

In keeping with the Fatparrot name, the literature could read:

(1)Sound so colorful, it seems to fly out of the speaker.
(2)Textures are feather soft, yet claw into the details and hang on.
(3)Musical performances so life like, you will forget about the "bill"
(4)Voices that emerge from the Parrot are so real, it will have the dog barking in response.

In fact, the only thing that could heighten this musical experience is for the customer to purchase The Perch™ from Jax2 and live life free as a bird.