Ask a sample of millennials how many would pay $15K let alone $50K for loudspeakers and report back.
Our most popular amplifier is our M-60, which has a base (no options) retail price of $7100/pair. But one of our larger distributors won't buy them- he only buys our larger amps, which cost a whole lot more. He says that his wealthy customers don't want to look like they are on a budget.
There is also that thing called the Veblen Effect. A lot of products made for high end are priced for Veblen, so to speak (We price according to a formula, which causes our products to be cheaper, but in price only). If you are into bicycles, the story of Sun Tour is interesting. They made the best derailleurs back in the 1970s and early 1980s, but they were cheap because they were priced to a formula. OTOH Campagnolo priced what the market would bear and even though not as good, were often 5x-10x what Sun Tour was getting. That aspect is so prevalent that even today Campy's used/vintage hardware from that period still goes for big bucks on ebay. The thing is, many people into bikes don't even know that Sun Tour had made better product; they simply think Campy made the best. That is how powerful the Veblen Effect is.
Maybe my exposure to "the business" is not extensive enough, or maybe it's too localized (Brazil/SoCal), but I honestly haven't met THAT guy, THAT kind of audiophile/customer, the "BUY THE PRICE" guy...
alex
I manufacture high-end loudspeakers and they top out at $360,000. For the "mere mortals" I have an entry level series starting at $4,800 for a bookshelf. These are what I use at home and for my own enjoyment, and are every bit as good as my flagship model when used in an appropriate sized room. However, I have sold less PAIRS of my $4,800 loudspeakers than my $85,000 loudspeaker.
I should probably point out that many people see the value in statement level "end-of-the-road" equipment as getting off the buying merry-go-round. When you add up all the money that you could spend in upgrading to the next best, then a little better, etc., you may discover that you will have spent the amount of money that the 6 figure component costs.
And those "little" ones sound mighty good. I'm sure you remember me listening to them at Taves, along with the G5s, and commenting about their balance and cohesion across the bandwidth.I manufacture high-end loudspeakers and they top out at $360,000. For the "mere mortals" I have an entry level series starting at $4,800 for a bookshelf. These are what I use at home and for my own enjoyment, and are every bit as good as my flagship model when used in an appropriate sized room. However, I have sold less PAIRS of my $4,800 loudspeakers than my $85,000 loudspeaker.
there are more than a few here who have multiple amps, tt's, arms, cartridges, digital units, and even speakers that collectively exceed the most expensive single choice. there is no one right way to scratch your itch.
i'm 'end of game' for most all my gear. i'm not lusting after other stuff anymore....however I do miss 'the chase' and excitement of anticipated changes. and miss talking about my choice process. it's like part of the hobby I enjoyed is missing to me. yet i'm totally happy with the music.
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