Why Is Hi Fi Gear So Darn Expensive?

This is pretty simple:

• I cannot afford a Ferrari
• I can, however, afford a Volkswagen
• I drive a Volkswagen
• I do not complain about how expensive the Ferrari is

Bottom line for me: I buy the car I can afford. Ignore the cars I cannot afford

@thyname 

+1

In addition you can work very hard (or more for the purpose of making money) in order to afford more or you can due without and concentrate your buying power on one thing. 
 

I drove ancient used cars until I was forty. I funneled most discretionary capital into audio. Focus. Also, I always pursued a career in what interested me, and one compatible with my disabled partners well-being, and income was always tertiary concern. But eventually I still was able to make a fair amount of money… hence I have a nice system.

The puzzle is now complete. 

Yes Jerry

Well I can’t agree with the nothing has changed perspective. Technology and its application has improved immensely and continues to do so. That does make a big difference.  Old stuff has less and less appeal to me these days I find. It can be done much better for less these days. Digital in particular. Analog….that’s different …. niche high end. New vinyl has managed to lure more customers in recent years.