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!
@bob540 😁
That is the way to go. Just for fun, go to an high end audio dealer… listen to their best. It is fun, and inspiring. Over time, you can slowly move up your aspirations as your means increase.
For me, now retired, my system is a constant source of enjoyment. I worked slowly and consciously towards this for decades. |
Well about the only way to actually reduce prices is to cut out the middle man. Also known as your local brick and mortar dealer. As we all know many brands have gone that route to be more competitive in the marketplace. But then we are left with that type of shopping experience and support etc. It is really expensive operating both a manufacturing business and a retail shop these days folks, especially in locations where the $ and potential sales are - big cities. As a business owner, I am not surprised at all with much of the pricing. The real question is do enough people feel there is enough of a ROI. At some price point one would think a buyer would want to experience the product, at least a little, before dropping big $ on a piece....but maybe not.
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I think you could ask this question in many different industries. Why is this kitchen faucet $5000 and this one $500 or this one $100. Why is this shirt $1200 and this one $200 and this one $20? There is generally a curve on actually quality, materials and style but at a certain point it’s really just about whether you want to spend the money or not. Some companies pride themselves on being handmade. Some just survive under the umbrella of their brand. Is Louis Vuitton’s leather really that much better? There will always be insanely expensive and probably overpriced pieces of gear because there can be and people will pay. |
