Are audiophiles still out of their minds?

The point is, if I make something for $0.01 and, based on whatever marketing or voodoo or apparent added value I effectively attach to my product, I am able to sell it for $1.0M, then exactly what is the problem here?

In my world, good for me and good for the buyer who thinks he/she got a good deal.

stevecham2,273 posts06-19-2016 3:47pmWhat troubles me more than any price that someone can sell something and the price for which someone is willing to pay for something, is the reality that there are two sets of rules in our current so-called, but in reality no longer, capitalist society. One set of rules is for those of us who may complain about prices from time to time, but by and large play by a set of rules that is fair. We call ’em as we see ’em and expect a fair deal and quality.

Then there’s the set of rules that I’ll bet none-to-very-few-of-us has access to. Who here can buy a credit default swap for 7 figures or higher and gain from someone else’s failure? Who here can sequester $Ms in off-shore tax-free havens? Who here is able to buy or sell equities on secondary markets with nanosecond transactions? I have to place a bid and then wait hours before it is denied or confirmed, all the while the market shifts and moves out of my purview.

High prices, companies are ripping us off ... In order to support the high prices, there has to be demand. The problem is staring at you in the mirror.

Your disposable income is not keeping up with the JONES so priced out of the market. Instead of complaining, try improving your financial situation if goods are important enough or just content with what you can afford.

Don't want to get political but last 8 years has increased the gap between the rich and poor due to Quantitative Easing and No/Low interest rates.   Creating a bubble in hard assets that includes audio.    Many companies are doing well, Magico, VAC ....   Magico introduces a new version every 3 years and can't keep up with demand.

Same with access to financial incentives.  Is your account balance large enough to enjoy the special benefits?   

The point is, if I make something for $0.01 and, based on whatever marketing or voodoo or apparent added value I effectively attach to my product, I am able to sell it for $1.0M, then exactly what is the problem here?

In my world, good for me and good for the buyer who thinks he/she got a good deal.

It's basically rewarding results that will drive innovation, efficiency ... and eventually lower prices and a superior products for the end consumer.

For example in US Open golf tournament, winner gets $1,800,000. 3 tied for 2nd that gets $745,270 each ... So players will work to improve their game to win the grand prize if that's their goal.  

What do you propose, pie gets evenly divided between all the players? Then why bother improving their game if there's no EXTRA incentive to win?  A Bernie Sander's tournament?????

stevecham
2,273 posts
06-20-2016 12:49pm
"The point is, if I make something for $0.01 and, based on whatever marketing or voodoo or apparent added value I effectively attach to my product, I am able to sell it for $1.0M, then exactly what is the problem here?

In my world, good for me and good for the buyer who thinks he/she got a good deal."

But the cost of materials is not the whole issue. Not by a long shot.  One ought to consider sound quality, quality of connectors, quality of welds, actual cost as used or discounted item, will it hold it's value, and physical appearance. If this is your first purchase of very expensive cables then I can certainly understand your angst.

I would propose - the winner takes it all. 

Darn it, where's my green Sharpie?