They know we will pay anything they can think of
Anyone have any idea how long ago Hifi manufacturers discovered we (audiophiles) will pay almost anything chasing our perfect sound? I individualized it because each of us are reaching for our own personal nirvana. You can go to any audio show, see someone point to a piece of equipment and ask the price. Out comes a price you know the rep made up while sitting in his office wondering how much he can ask those sick people to pay. We know advertising, manufacturing, and overhead is relatively expensive but we also know that the asking price should take care of that if he sells maybe 4 or 5 of them all year. Knowing that I have paid quite a bit for equipment over the years that I knew I shouldn't have but did anyway.
This seems false- unless the rep is the manufacturer, reps prices are usually established by the manufacturer. Reps sometimes can offer discounts to get the sale by reducing their profit margin, some manufacturers frown on this.
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What about R&D costs? This is a major factor in driving up costs. I’ve been to the Magico manufacturing where they gave cutting edge equipment including computers, CNC aluminum cutting machines, etc. IIRC they recently build/upgraded a $250k sound room. These costs must be covered by sales income. I have Vimberg Mino D speakers whose Herculean construction is designed to reduce cabinet resonances and the finish is impeccable- this obviously adds to the cost. The Diamond tweeter obviously is costly. It is not some mere random markup. I’m fortunate that I could afford this speaker which is the lowest model from trickle down technology from Tidal. I also have the Constellation Inspiration electronics. Again I’m the beneficiary of trickle down technology as my electronics are Constellation’s entry level. These were listed in TAS top 50 bargains. This doesn’t seem to fit the OPs random markup theory |
@mike_in_nc I felt you didn't get any of the tax cuts. Intuition. It's always easier to form a negative opinion of tax cuts your way. |
OP, I am really sorry that my comments come as a surprise to you. It saddens me that folks growing up and educated in a country with unhampered privilege, know so little about the world. I have taken advantage of opportunities and have worked for great high tech companies like Burr-Brown Corp, and Texas Instruments as an executive and a start up company. I have worked in the global manufacturing supply chain all over the world. Completely understand business, manufacturing. I have followed the high end audio industry for fifty years. Your perspective is so lacking in understanding it is embarrassing.
I can only suggest you learn more about the high end audio industry. You will find what I have said about of it is absolutely true. |
