Why is the price of new tonearms so high

Tonywinsc
y.s.:
>>> Have you ever tried a Koetsu cartridge? <<<

Nope, I'll sure will some day when my pocket agrees. Right now I listen to an Empire S1000 ZE/X-ERD (oldie MM) and it makes more music than any of my previous MCs. Sounding more 'balanced' in my system, than my audio friends Orpheus for 6 grand, that gave me food for thought.

I'd guess the Koetsu Coral would 'mice' the Empire, even in look alone :-)

I'm currently thinking my ML phono-modules might favour MMs over MCs (more musical).
I think MCs (to my ears) like at least one tube in the system. My son has that kind of set-up. Same MC in his system sound better than in mine, using a EAR 864 phono-line-pre, hm.
My system is all SS, so I've become a bit weary of all these 'artistically' priced MCs... too much resolution, too little music.
Of course something 'pretty' never loses attraction, like ZZ Top, 'Looking for some tush...' :-)

Axel

Axel,

Looks like you found your work of art. Quite a bargain!

This is not an uncommon question on many "different" passion/hobby sites.Regarding virtually any expensive proposition.

There is no short answer,and it almost always becomes an opinion piece/thread.

Just yesterday this kind of question was asked on one of my often visited "Fretted Musical Instrument" sites.The poster wanted to know why some Boutique guitar builders can get away with their pricing structure.No short answer,but overall performance,like that of a high quality arm and design,materials,voicing,warrantee etc comes into play I'd think.

If you have the cash,no harm...and...some folks do get a kick out of owning something with perceived "specialness",even if it's not there.No harm in that,and it makes folks happy.

Human nature,I'd guess

My philosophy is always if it floats your boat and you can afford it, then you should buy it! Life's too short to wait.

I'd like to be around to see the price for a new tonearm in another 100 years or so!

Maybe by then all will agree that they finally got digital "right".

When you need to spend a lot of money, because you feel better that you can afford something the other one can't, fine too. Most do that.

Strange statement Syntax, from someone with 8 of the most expensive tonearms and 7 of the most expensive cartridges?
Not to mention turntables and amps that would be the envy of the treasury departments of some third world countries?