Can someone explain to me why : Accupahse Equipment is that expensive ?


…….I was recently looking into their Power Conditioners as well as their Amplifiers and for a company where there is very little reviews done on their products, along with a small ( here in the US anyway )  almost a cult following if someone could tell me why is their prices the way they are. I just don't understand it. I have listened to their equipment and is nice and the build quality is very good but ; I always said to myself ; '' Not for that price ". I do not mean to be in an any way inflammatory with this statement but is :  Accuphase the McIntosh of the East ?  McIntosh makes some nice stuff but is no way priced like Accuphase, however it seems to operate very much with the same business model ; you are paying for the name and the pride of ownership and the sound is very much dated. Maybe I am missing something here and the sound is very good and like Rolex you buy a piece and you are set for a lifetime. FM Acoustics is also another one of the those companies......Just looking for a really good amp and these companies come up in my search but I am just sitting here scratching my head ?           
garebear
I think it is overpriced in the US, but apparently more affordable in Japan and eastern countries. Every piece of gear has "a sound", but I don't  know what a "dated" sound is, although it seems to be a popular hang tag on Mac gear, which I think is unjustified.
Regarding Rolex, they are no more of a lifetime purchase than any other good watch, like Omega, etc. Just an overblown legend.   
Regarding Rolex, they are no more of a lifetime purchase than any other good watch, like Omega, etc. Just an overblown legend.  

  I have had my Rolex for over 25 years and it still works perfectly. I have my dad's 1952 Oyster and it still runs. A Rolex will last a lifetime if you take care of it.

  Accuphase like some other made in Japan brands is very expensive here in the states. It costs a lot to make stuff in Japan. It is similar to making stuff here in the US. But the quality and support of Accuphase is superb.



Marketing hype! No better or worse sounding than made in good old USA gear! Trophies for the high rollers!
lostbears,
That was my point. All good watches will last many years if properly maintained.