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The new dynamic in speaker pricing

Yesterday I received the latest issue of the Absolute Sound mag. This issue has the round up of the varying speaker manufacturer’s wares along with the retail pricing. One thing that struck me is the number of speaker manufacturer’s who have a speaker in their line up that cost close to a $1M!! There are good number of speakers now available with prices in the $700K+ range. A few manufacturer’s are also a little ’glib’ with their top model pricing, such as Oswalds Mill--who state- price upon inquiry only!

This new speaker pricing dynamic is interesting, as it clearly indicates that there are buyers out there who are happy to pay these prices and presumably enough buyers to make these products viable. A trend that is certainly interesting and yet questionable as to how it will impact the hobby as a whole.

Opinions on this trend?

128x128daveyf
ghdprentice
6,963 posts
 

@baylinor 

I do not in any way feel this was directed at me. I do not have a system remotely in this category. I have heard some. I have known dealers that have installed high end systems. Typically, the installer is given limited carte blanche with limited to make the system sound great. 

What I am offended at is folks that put down categories of other audiophiles, whether their budget is small… or in this case large. We should be respectful. Folks with little money or lots all share the same values… the best most enjoyable sounds. 

baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,409 posts
 

Still missing my point. Oh well, I tried.

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
566 posts
 

10K to 20 K is the sweet spot in hi end speakers......any amount over that is just stupid.

jl35
3,979 posts
 

reminds me of interview with designer/manufacturer some years ago for "outrageously" priced amplifier for the times. He said he wanted to design the best he could and expected to maybe sell 6 worldwide over a 3 - 4 year period...and yes, all too easy to forget how much money some have...

kenjit
1,771 posts
 

If these folks haven’t stolen their earnings, why on earth would folks begrudge what they purchase? If I earned more, I certainly would have a bigger house, better system, better cars, better clothes… and the list goes on and on. I buy what I can afford. They buy what they can afford. Why do folks have such an issue with other’s spending habits? It’s life. There will always be winners and losers. Everyone doesn’t get a participation award.

@rocray

its not a question of whether they have stolen their earnings. The issue is that, if one idiot buys a million dollar speaker, all the speakers companies will raise their prices and make them unaffordable for the rest of us. Why is that so hard to understand?

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