PS audio new 25K dac and the psychological effect of owning a company's best.

I am happier when I spend less for top end performance. I replaced a preamp and DAC recently that cost 5x and 2x more respectively, without a backward step in performance.

Audio gear pricing is such a joke. Got to set the price high so that people perceive value.

This new PS Audio DAC will have a particular sonic signature. Is that sound signature something that floats your boat? If not then the price is irrelevant. If you agree with the sonics then maybe something to consider if you think $25K makes sense for a DAC. For me, even if I love the sound of this new $25K DAC, this price is not sensible. For speakers, I could do that but never for a DAC.

The pride of ownership is often a factor in our purchases and there’s nothing wrong with it. But I don’t see that factor coming into play with PS Audio. They certainly make good products, but I can’t picture anyone sitting back saying "I have the best thing PS audio makes". I bet the dac will sound great because I know it will have a huge outboard power supply, which makes a big difference. But at 25k, they’re coming up against Audio Note, Metronome, Playback Design... Good luck fellas. Who knows? I’ll tell you one thing - if I were spending big bucks on a dac, I want a company that’s going to be around to service it. I would hate to end up with a Vekian or a Balabo or one of those great but unserviceable dacs. And to those who think a 25k dac is crazy in absolute terms, you should hear a Naim CD555. In the right system you can hear every penny. As you well should. There are others I'm sure. 

Anyone who takes pride in owning the best hasn't processed the fact that time will make mincemeat out of "best." Get something that sounds good and remain open to trading it in later. Change is inevitable and the idea of "the best" is a form of denial about change.

Many audio companies are making their audio version of a Mulliner Bacalar, largely for the overseas market.

Sell just a few, and you've got some significant gains.

You're either paying for the genius of Ted or you're not. Any other judgements before it is released and reviewed are rrelevant.