I sold all my BAT gear when you had to join the $7000.00 club to be a member. They are not unique in pricing. When the Italian company bought ARC there was an interview with the head designer and he stated that the market had moved into the "luxury" niche market. Astute from a survivalist perspective, certainly not supportive for those of us that enjoy good clean playback for less than the price of house. We either buy used, change to a brand that supports a less elite approach or keep what one has acquired and enjoy the music.