The death of ultra hiend audio

I had a manufacturer tell me once its way easier to market to the supper rich and sell 50 pieces at $50k profit then 50000 pieces at $500 profit. Just the logistics and service requirements can be daunting as the quantity sold increases. So, they chose to sell expensive systems to the few to avoid the other huge logistic costs, servicing (post and presale) of selling to the masses. I think this may get some into hot water as the markets slow due to other issues going on i.e COVID, tariffs, slowing markets etc.

Also, the over pricing of gear is getting obvious to most of us, especially if you have a technical background. Looking inside an expensive piece and seeing similar parts quality as much less expensive pieces gets you thinking what am I paying for. I don’t think the cost to design etc, statement is holding up anymore. There really aren’t much for new designs in the audio market other then maybe some digital systems, and some newer amp designs like class d.

It may not even be financials that brings about the end. Could be ownership is extremely wealthy, goes into audio just for the kick, interest wanes, ages out, company ceases to be.

IMO I think you are paying a LOT for the casework ie: Boulder comes to mind. Yes beautiful to some but is 1.5 inches of aluminum worth an extra 20 - 30k? 

Purchase a new Boulder 866 for < $20k. You will receive a true Audiophile amp with the $20k-$30k casework included for free!

We have certainly seen some ultra-high-end audio manufacturers struggle a good bit, but there are also just as many mid-fi manufacturers that have struggled or closed as well. 

It's true that in many cases the cost of ultra-high-end products has gone crazy, but there are a goodly number of ultra-high-end (and expensive) products that are actually a value for the money.  Most people don't equate value with something that sells for $500K, but when you know what goes into some of these high-priced products you'll be amazed at the list of billable materials, not to mention the [very expensive] machinery that is necessary to build them.  And yes, on the other side of the argument, there are many products that can't justify their crazy high prices. 

Having said that, the ultra-high-end as a whole is doing quite well (most notably with sonically amazing and groundbreaking products).  In the lower high-end to mid-fi category of products, the same principle holds true - some are a rip-off, and some are truly worth it, regardless of their price.  So, to say that the ultra-high-end is dying, NO, I don't buy it.  And I work in the middle of it.