Why JVC XRCDs are so expensive?

Part of the reason is meticulous care taken at every step of the process, including replacing anything that can improve things when it is discovered. I understand some people think the price is too high. The sound sure is considerably better than conventional CDs, however. Whether it's worth it or not is obviously an individual decision.

New technology always has a price. I remember paying $15.00 for "Discovered Again" by Dave Grusin on Sheffield, new in 1978. Direct-to-disk records were very high priced compared to regular LPs at the time. Quality recordings are worth every penney.

I have read more than once that it cost only $1.00 to make a CD. So much of the cost probably goes into wages, promotions, middle man, etc. etc. etc.

The best CD I have ever heard is the FIM XRCD2 by Jacintha "Autumn Leaves"-- the songs of Johnny Mercer. $30. from Music Direct. Is it worth it? Well, this one is but only because BOTH recording AND MUSIC are excellent. I don't have a standard CD of this disc too compare to either. Cheers. Craig

Then again, JVC has a certain reject ratio, based on error rate of CD's produced. They reject those that don't meet their standards. Sounds logical for a company catering towards audiophiles, doesn't it? They also use a higher grade blank than most out there. (So, if they reject a large quantity during production, it would be obvious that production costs may increase, as a result). Do you see BMG or Columbia rejecting ANYTHING due to error rate? NO!

Other audiophile companies have high quality standards/reject ratios. If you feel that the price is too high, fine. Don't buy them, that is your choice. Your audio buddies that do know, or have the hearing/system to know the quality difference will pay the difference. (Many do.)

The major record companies use CD blanks that cost 25 cents or less each, WITHOUT error rate rejection. The final cost of JVC XRCD's has nothing to do with those that spend $10K or more for amplifiers. It has to do with sound quality. Improved sound quality benefits us all, regardless of system expense.

It's all a matter of dollars and sense ...