Extravagant shipping charge

I don't understand all the grief the OP is getting here. $150 is too much to ship anything under a grand and smaller than laundry basket (size is more expensive than weight until well over 100#. I did a quick estimate on UPS.com and it was $49. Seller is taking advantage of you, big time.

I see this going on even with large corporate accounts. The item is on sale, but after the shipping costs it's the actual retail of the unit. I see it on Ebay as well, so unless the shipper gives me a quote, that's a no go. Having said that, on larger items, it's worth the money to take the risk. Hell, even speakers I'd have trucked in so I can go to the depot to check the packaging & if there's a problem, they won't get out of the depot. No confusion, no problems. Speakers weigh 350lbs? Won't even get off the truck without a thorough inspection & pictures if there are any problems. Without mentioning any names, I swear a fragile sticker means that there is going to be a punt, pass & kick contest in the items future 

All you have to do is call ups for a quote with zip codes ,dimensions and weight you will be with $15 of accuracy .
then tell him that you called them 
and tell him that. He s a crook.

It has become obvious that the shipping charge complainers have not actually done much heavy shipping recently.

" The item weighs 55lb, and it is about 17x17x10 size. The shipping box will be about 20x20x15, and the total weight would be close to 60 lb. "

If I was shipping a 55 lb, item with those dimensions I would not use a 20 x 20 x 10 box, too small. The item needs to be double boxed with plenty of room between one box and the other. Remember, the selling price has nothing to do with safely getting a 55 lb. piece of audio gear from point A to point B without damage. If you want your item to arrive safely, it is simple, you have to pay for it. Shipping heavy items via UPS, FedEx and USPS is expensive. If you want cheap, ship Greyhound, terminal to terminal.