$39K for the Linn Klimax DAC/streamer?

Eventually we'll all benefit from the trickle down as today's SOTA improvements become available in more affordable equipment, e.g. elements of today's F1 racing technology will become standard safety features for family sedans and SUVs in 5-7 years

This question got me searching for a more philosophical answer:

Nothing Linn is worth $39k.

Especially not a DAC/Streamer

Linn is mid-fi in today's marketplace, trying to project as high-end or even state of the art.  Trading on a naim only.

The top LP12 turntable costs $15k.  in the mid 1970s it was $600.  OK they say they've improved it but really all they've done is up-priced it to match the ludicrous prices being asked for turntables these days.

And they're still pigs to set up and keep set up.

And just wait an extra couple of weeks to order yours used for a mere $19,999!

John Atkinson had an editorial in Stereophile during the financial meltdown.  It discussed income inequality, and opined that the key to survival for most of us would be figuring out how to serve the one percenters.  It only gets more relevant with the passage of time