Why JVC XRCDs are so expensive?

Laoyuap: I don't know why Telarc lowered its prices on SACDs. Maybe they think the extra volume of sales will more than make up for the unit loss, or maybe they're just trying to move back inventory. I tend to assume that when a company like JVC prices a product, it knows what it's doing. Doesn't mean they're always right, but it is their business.

To your other points, the 40-minute CD is not unique to JVC. A lot of jazz and pop CDs have added bonus tracks or alternate takes, but many others haven't. Obviously, such additions would be less appealing to the classical market. And they would increase the licensing fees JVC would have to pay.

There are a lot of things on the market that cost more and aren't really any better. XRCDs, as a general rule, are better. Whether they're worth it to you is a personal judgment. I'd certainly recommend that you try out the XRCD version of a few old favorites, just to see.

XRCD is definately aimed at the high-end community and they have been out for years now and the marketeers probably don't see the reason for lowering the price. The XRCD following seems to continue to grow so why change if you own that market? If they lowered the price the mainstream probably isn't going to suddenly start buying them in place of their old CDs so they have to weigh if lowering the price would increase the volume with philes enough to justify the reduction in margin...probably not.

Bomarc,
No problem, thanks...I wasn't very specific was I? :)

Personally I think the XRCD are consistantly the best (or equal to the best) of the standard CD market we have to choose from. I have found some other recordings that are excellant, like Goove Note's, but XRCD is very consistant and they can transform older stuff. There are a number of things I would like them to do but alas we are at their mercey. Now a rep I know who peddles XRCD thinks he has heard some HDCD that is just as good or better but I haven't run into that yet. But he also thinks SACD is no good and that he HDCD give it a run for its money!?

I hate paying the extra for my favorite cuts but I guess you get what you pay for...plus I love the packaging (although I would forgo the package for cheaper discs).

Good listening to all,
cd

I at least had buy one to try out. Stopped by Music Direct and picked up the Dire Staits xrcd. Will give listen this weekend. 4 yr old permitting.
Tim

Craig, I love that Jacintha XRCD2 too. "Here's to Ben" is also very good. Both are worth every penny of that premium price to me. My first experience with JVC or other XRCDs was Chet Atkins' "In Hollywood". Another beautifully performed and mastered recording.

Reviving an old thread here. The original batch of XRCD (s) were pressed in a very limited run. Limited runs tend to sell out quickly, especially, in Japan. These are worth every penny.

The subsequent XRCD2 and other, more mass produced discs, are still good-just not quite as valuable.  Happy Listening!