members and their systems
@sokogear I would think that most $100K systems are bought by multimillionaires/billionaires who don’t spend a lot of time evaluating, thinking about or listening to their systems as they may be in a 2nd or 3rd house. They probably have a designer type making the decisions for them, and I would be shocked to see them posting on this site. not to be argumentative, but you are wrong - i am proof of that, i am not a billionaire (not even close) but i have done quite well in life moneywise not all folks who have wealth were born rich or hit the lottery, and then outsource purchase decisions to hired hands (not even most) in fact most of the wealthy people i know are that way because they are normal people, sensible, value conscious, care about what they buy, thoughtful throughout their lives about managing finances and assets (not to mention other life decisions) - when you have spent a major chunk of time and energy in your life earning/accumulating the wealth you have, you usually don’t stop caring about how it is used |
I didn't say all $100K+ systems owners are like that @jss49, (I know @millercarbon looks at every possible component and tweak and @mikelavigne is about as committed as anyone in looking at all his options) ) I'm thinking of the proliferation of the "smart home" places, which is what the only stereo store left in Southern New Jersey turned into and how audio is an after thought. https://hifisales.com/ They make the majority of their money through installations, home theater set ups, and people throw big money at their "designers" who handle lighting, window shades, security, furniture, even renovations, etc. Also, not to be sexist, but the vast majority of audiophiles are not women, and they handle these types of decisions many times. (I know there are a few women on Audiogon, but please don't hang me.) The store's only person who knew anything about turntables quit after the store transitioned. They have a right to make money of course, but even Best Buy'a high end section Magnolia, makes more off the "services", except setting up turntables! I guess I am wrong about the only store selling stereo being gone in my area since Best Buy does sell McIntosh, B&W, KEF and other brands that have the ability to stock all these stores (probably not getting paid for the demo equipment up front that smaller manufacturers could not afford) that are in a small subset of Best Buys located well, demographically speaking. And some of these people don't care about $100K spent or how much they could make on that investment, they have more money than they can ever spend (not investing). And they don't have the time or interest in learning the details. Remember Tony Soprano on the Soprano's listening to Clapton in a memorable scene in his basement saying it sounds like Clapton is playing in the room? Doubt he knew what a preamp is. Any other $100Kers out there invested in ONE system, preferably using a turntable a good amount of the time, that are not in the stereo business or have the equipment left over after working in the business? Also, I am not talking about $100K list price, actual $100K invested in components and tweaks, cables, etc. That $100K system could easily translate into a $50K system (which is still more than I'd consider, but it's a different story) out of pocket on the current inventory. As a music and audio enthusiast, I just can't see how a system can be worth that much as part of a room where other activities take place, not a dedicated listening room (not counting part of the $100K invested in video equipment and furnture,etc.). |
