Heads Up: ARC is introducing the new SP-20 in Fall

It is always interesting to me when people complain about the prices of components. Most times, they don't know too much about how things are designed (R&D), components are procurred, or construction. Not to mention the company's overhead. However, you are correct, even though I am an Engineer and know how these things work, I still see prices that are stupidly high. My logic is, just don't buy it if I think it is too high. Same for cars, clothes, and just about anything else. Why worry about it and stress myself out? Just walk away with a smile. I like the quality of Audio Research's equipment. They know their stuff. So, right now the REF 250 amps are out of my price range. But the day is young. One never knows do one? as the saying goes. But the real question should be, are you getting what you pay for? An object, equipment, car, house, art, etc. is worth exactly what a person is willing to pay for it. So, all thing considering, like Overhead, design/R&D costs, construction costs, estimated number of units to sell, etc. a company will set their price point and run with it. It's kind of funny how you really don't see people compaining about car prices. They think a Mercedes is actually worth what the dealer is asking. I see no difference between that and a "high end" piece of audio equipment. Sometimes you do get what you pay for. Sometimes. Audio Research = quality audio equipment.

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Taters: Thanks for the input, but there is really no way can you buy a Rolex for full retail and sell it immediately afterwards for the same price. Every store has large mark ups on price. some more so than others. Also, Rolex's aren't as collectible as some of the other "high end" watches. They are nice, but really aren't close to being the best. You are paying more for the name. The really question on watches is who made the caliber? However, many high end audio equipment manufactures establish the sales price for all their authorized dealers so that there isn't any competition between dealers. My favorite shop in San Diego, Stereo Design will not sell items via phone or internet new unless you first come into the store. So, most times unless the item is discontinued, you will not be able to negotiate a lower price from authorized dealers legally. Noticed I said "Legally". I have noticed that watch dealers have more leeway on prices. What I don't understand is why manufactures will sometimes not allow warranties to be passed on to another buyer for the used equipment if the equipment was purchased new from an authorized dealer buy the original purchaser. If it was purchased grey market, I can understand this logic. But, if person A, purchased it new from an authorized dealer and it is still under warranty and I buy it from person A, why won't the warranty transfer to me with the remaining time on the warranty? I can't figure this one out.

anyway, If you think Audio Research is priced high, check out Boulder. Wow!

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Oh, I don't know Tonywinsc, go the a really high end appliance dealer and check out what the prices are for the very best. They aren't close to the stuff sold by Best Buy. Find the short list of the very best TVs made. You will be surprised at the costs. Economics is economics. R&D, Engineering, Construction, parts, Labor, overhead and also what market the equipment is geared for are all a part of the price.

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