shy about prices

@benanders yes, it makes sense. I guess it’s a unique business in several aspects.

“Understanding marketing is easy  

It's all about convincing people to buy things they don't need...“

Let me finish that for you:

Understanding marketing is easy.

It's all about convincing people to buy things they don't need...at a price they can’t afford. 

@grislybutter 

Don’t get me started on buying a car!  Long story, but they tagged on a $1500 charge and told us to bend over and pay it! And no it was not a destination or paperwork charge.  They were there as well!

Grrrrr!

It is aggravating not being able to quickly and easily find the price (even the MSRP) for a speaker.  I have my price range ($4K to $8K) that I'm willing to spend, so don't waste my time telling me the virtues of some B.S. high tech reason a speaker is better than sliced bread if it retails for $20K.  At least let me shop apples to apples when I'm looking in my price range.  The same goes for those willing to spend that $20K.  They don't want to be bothered wasting time looking at $8K speakers. 

Yes, sometimes I find ballpark prices on reviews, but if those reviews are 3 or 4 years old you can bet the prices listed aren't correct anymore after all the inflation. 

And then there are speakers that are at the end of the life, but were reviewed well such as for example the JBL L100 Classic which is being superseded by a "MK. II" version at a higher price.  The L100 Classic was often on sale for 20% off. 

Given the markup of speakers with a dealer network, it almost pushes you to consider only those who sell direct or even DIY if you have the time, equipment, and space. But then we all lament not finding brick and mortar stores near us to be able to hear speakers and amps and DACs before we buy. 

I'm confounded by all of this angst. All I ever have to do to get the price of something is ask. Easy-peasy. Everyone wants your money.