Modern Linestages


This is a general question about how complex and expensive some linestages have become. I'm looking to understand why? I can grasp that really good volume controls are complicated and that equally good switches are not inexpensive. I also have a general understanding of the importance of a high quality power supply, which again is not going to come cheap. I just don't comprehend how you get to a 50lbs. plus preamps that cost well over $20k. Is this level of complexity really needed or is it the equivalent of the spate of 500hp "sedans" for every day driving?
128x128onhwy61
Do you buy into the "urban legend" that some folks mark up the price higher because selling at a reasonable markup, but lower price point, would result in audiophile dismissing the quality of the product?

This may occur in other industries as well, but it seems many believe it to be true in this one. Yes, it must be a competitive market, but you also have to worry about being "too" cheap to be taken seriously as a countervailing pressure.
Lately I've been dividing my attention between Irene and this thread. One is a phenomena that is wreaking havoc, upsetting people and causing a lot of anxiety. The other is a hurricane.
LOL- Great adaptation of the classic lawyer joke!
Atmasphere ,Thank you for your participation and your excellent products as well.Evidently you didn't read my earlier posts on this thread.
Your business model may have a simple markup formula and being you sell direct to end users would you agree that your suggested retail and possibly mark up will differ from a Mfg.that sells through franchised dealers.
Further,would an importer also price components differently then you would.
Lets say the industry mark up is 5X the cost.If the cost is $1000 Are you saying that every mfg,will price that component at $5000 and if that component for whatever reason is deemed superior to the competition,would you agree that it I swill be priced much higher with out regard to the cost.
Products for this hobby will be priced at whatever the market will bear
Again I thank you for your participation and your very informative website
Everything is priced at what the manufacturer thinks the market will bear as long as it is sufficiently above costs and a sufficient profit. If it doesn't sell either he lowers the price or goes out of business.

I think 5X parts and labor is the old retail price giving points to the retailer.
Atmasphere,
There are many exceptions to your statement regarding fair market markup.To name a few, Lamm,Kondo,Audio Note UK upper levels,Wavac,Burmester,Magico,Tidal etc. Or are these bad examples?