Why Is Hi Fi Gear So Darn Expensive?

+1 @thyname Why are so many budget conscious Audiophiles(?) so concerned about what others spend? I think there is a mind set(fear=snake oil) in them to beat the "Pay to Play" theory which unfortunately exits Another meaningless cliche is "The Law Of Diminishing Returns" It does not apply to a subjective hobby. A $20K amp must sound/measure 10x better then a $2k amp, which is a foolish formula. A 20k amp can sound a million times(subjective) better then a 2k amp. IMO the 20k amp would clearly be the better value. There is no need/want or desire for ’Gatekeepers" in this hobby.

@bluorion

Regarding the how much does high fidelity have to cost I will throw out the example of Grado SR80i headphones as a lowest cost entry point. Use these with any good quality streaming app on a smartphone and viola…..really good sound!

Or Vanatoo active speakers. $600 + a smart phone source and you are good to go in many rooms.

Price has anything to do with consumer products.

You pay you get. Miracles do not happen. Since a preamp comparison was mentioned, one costing 2k and the other 20k, which one is better? Easy the more expensive one, because in an accompanying system of relative value it would show less limitations compared to the more economic one. That does not limit the quality of the 2k one, which in turn could be better than a 3k preamp, making it a an excellent choice for the right system and most likely above that.

One of the issues is who can bring lower pricing on a statement product, my answer would be the big guns, you know the ones that produce mass market goods also, have the resources and the ability, and care to see in the end a profitable category and not product alone. Unfortunately snobbish behaviours apply to this hobby as elsewhere. Reasons for not succeeding has nothing to do with sound quality or construction but rather distribution, lower margins and not so perfect after sales service. Back to square one.

Wealthy people want it.

Poor people have it.

If you eat it you will die.

What is it?

This is one my daughter hit me with when she was 6. 

They asked what they want and that's the only thing. I can built an amp good looking finish sounds pretty good and van asked 20.000dollars.

You should do that then...