Definitely #4, over-priced to begin with. I offer the following example(s) as proof.
Consider the following brands of audio equipment, all of which I have. What is interesting to note is that not only do the manufacturers of these items claim they are directly comparable to equivalent products made by other manufacturers that charge many times (as much as 10X in certain cases) as much, but numerous professional and average Joe audiophile reviews also agree that their value is simply outstanding.
Not in any particular order:
Emotive
GoldenEar
Musical Fidelity
Consider the following brands of audio equipment, all of which I have. What is interesting to note is that not only do the manufacturers of these items claim they are directly comparable to equivalent products made by other manufacturers that charge many times (as much as 10X in certain cases) as much, but numerous professional and average Joe audiophile reviews also agree that their value is simply outstanding.
Not in any particular order:
Emotive
GoldenEar
Musical Fidelity