Has anyone heard the SAT XD1

real sustainable sales will establish the value proposition ( for the buyer not a wannabe 1% referee on the sidelines ).....now, where did I set that glass of $15 French rotgut red from...agahst...Costco ?

“ Let them eat cheap cake “

@daveyf
Yes, I’ve seen the pricing, and I have no issue with it.
If I could afford it and it was the best, based on my own in home audition, I’d buy it.

For those of us who cant afford it, I still welcome these products on the basis of pushing the envelope, and trickle down.

There are many advances in everyday motorcars derived from Formula 1 technology, but we cant all afford a Formula 1 racing car.

Personally I have not heard a direct drive that I like, but that doesn’t preclude that from happening one day.

Every time someone launches a new product, good or bad, should be celebrated because it means more interest generated in our hobby that exists in a shrinking market.

Most western economies are becoming hourglass in shape, very rich or poor, middle class hollowed out, and with it follows the shape of the audio market and products launched.

@dover  Here's the issue, that continually seems to be either a) misconceived or b) considered irrelevant.. and it's this: The price asked fails to live up to the tech, the complexity, the R&D required or any other parameter that typically accrues to a product like this..at that price. ( unless you are talking of a diamond crusted piece of jewelry!) When you mention Formula 1 cars or other products pushing the envelope, do you realize the amount of R&D cost, complexity, design ethos, etc that goes into those? Comparing the SAT to a Formula 1 car is a faulty comparison in so many ways, IMO. OTOH, if you are ok with a pricing structure that follows the guideline that any new and innovative product that is brought out in our hobby and can perform at a high level could, and should, be priced at a level that is only conceivable to multi-millionaires with money to flush...then I see your point.