The best quality audio products have always been expensive. When introduced in 1957 the JBL Paragon cost $1,850 and big spenders such as Frank Sinatra owned them. The Paragons were expensive, but as someone pointed out earlier in this thread. they would be within the reach of a professional class person. Today the inflation adjusted price of the Paragons would be around $16,000, which is an order of magnitude less than what current SOTA loudspeakers designs are priced. I believe Wilson was the first US audio manufacturer to price his products as luxury goods with Boulder being quick to follow. Since both companies are seen as very successful I can only conclude that there is a real market for their luxury offerings. I'm in no position to say whether the buyers are making wise, prudent or sensible decisions when they purchase Wilson of Boulder.
I once read that for an average family $500 was the limit of unplanned discretionary planning which was roughly 1% of the family's annual income. So if you made $500,000 you could drop $5,000 without batting eye. If you made $5 million the amount increases to $50,000. The math is straightforward. We live in a world where any number of people can buy the Boulder amp without even thinking about the cost. As a person of normal means I cannot really imagine what that is like.
I have no problem with extreme wealth, except with how it is corrupting our democracy.
I once read that for an average family $500 was the limit of unplanned discretionary planning which was roughly 1% of the family's annual income. So if you made $500,000 you could drop $5,000 without batting eye. If you made $5 million the amount increases to $50,000. The math is straightforward. We live in a world where any number of people can buy the Boulder amp without even thinking about the cost. As a person of normal means I cannot really imagine what that is like.
I have no problem with extreme wealth, except with how it is corrupting our democracy.