$27,500 for whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat???

Sometime in the ‘90s, I think, I went to an audio shop in Silverdale, WA, across Puget Sound from Seattle, to audition a pair of small Thiel speakers. Also set up in the room were a pair of Wilson Grand Slams. As I was listening the owner escorted an older couple through the room on the way to another room. 

Here’s my memory of what followed.

The man stopped abruptly and sputtered, “What the hell are those things!”

Owner - “They’re Wilson Grand Slams, $72,000”

Old guy - “That’s ridiculous, I know you have to have something like that to impress customers but no one would actually buy those!”

Owner - “Well, in fact, we’ve sold 23 pair. The nearest other Wilson dealer is in California and with all the young high-tech guys pouring into Seattle with huge salaries they need some way to impress their friends. It’s great for us. The best part is that they also need the amps, turntables and other gear to go with the Wilsons.” 

The old guy walked on, still sputtering about the Grand Slams.

Some people actually care about the way things look in their room.

I recently talked to a speaker salesman who was going to some company/manufacturer's meeting. I suggested he brings the color options as customer feedback. I thought that 20%, maybe even 30%, of the base price might be fair.