Why Is Hi Fi Gear So Darn Expensive?
Why Is Hi-Fi Gear So Darn Expensive?! - The Absolute Sound
Interesting read.
"I recently heard a small 2-way stand mount speaker at a show. The sound was excellent. The product was priced at $50,000 or thereabouts, per pair. Allowing for distribution and marketing leaves about $25,000."
$25000 for distribution and marketing? Really? That much more for this than a similar product at 1/10th the cost?
I don’t doubt the marketing cost per unit could be much higher with boutique products. Makes sense. Is the cat is out of the bag regarding the value proposition of boutique products?
How about fancy fuses marketed for free here that cost practically nothing to ship? Oh my!
I guess there are "excellent" expensive boutique products and others that offer value everywhere. Hifi not unique. Take your pick! Live and learn!
The article also chalks up people’s reactions to high-fi prices to emotion. What about the sound they hear? Real or emotionally distorted? What would Mr. Spock think about that? I know he likes music...he plays a harp!
My Grandma used to say, "A fool and his money are easily parted." That said, there are some superb cost no object components designed to sell to the ever-increasing number of folks with very large disposable incomes. Part of it is also reflected in the coming of retirement age where older audiophiles are cashing in their chips before the great gig in the ground. |
@noromance She was a wise lady. |
@noromance Brian : my Dad said “ soon parted “… ha. So right…. No swiss bank accounts in the gig in the ground, at least spend some of it now…. Jim |
As a gardener, I am constantly hearing the same- 'But, it's so expensive', or 'Why do you charge more than the other guy?' Let me tell you knowledge, quality and self-respect must be factored into making a functional, viable business. I can't speak for stereo manufacturers, but for me, I factor in my decades of knowledge/experience, ability to conform to different styles, and a need to get paid enough so that I don't have to chase my tail. For 97% of the people out there, I am overpriced. To the remaining 3%, I provide quality service that they can't get anywhere else. I manage to make a living. B |
The best sounding gear is priced beyond the means of most people. They are luxury items and audio equipment is no different than other consumer product categories. Fortunately, there's just tons of good to great sounding equipment at non-stratospheric prices. As a thought experiment put together a single source system at different price levels. Start at $1k, then $10k and finally $100k. The more expensive system will be better, but the middle system is quite good and even the cheap system can put a smile on your face. |
