Why are record cleaners so expensive?
When you call the Audio Desk a "glorified vacuum cleaner" and say, "paying three grand for an Audio Desk cleaner seems a bit out of reason," it rather does sound as though you're complaining, even as you say you're not. Vacuum cleaners are common appliances that are mass produced at low cost. The Audio Desk is obviously built in limited quantities, if only because the market for such a device is small. It uses ultrasonic cleaning, something no ordinary vacuum cleaner does. It has a filter for the cleaning fluid, motors to rotate the cleaning pads, motors to dry the disk and electronics to control the various functions. In addition to the materials cost, the manufacturer has to make enough on the product to recoup the design and engineering costs; pay for shipping, advertising and promotion; and make enough profit to warrant the endeavor, fund future improvements and honor its warranties. And of course the dealer must make a profit, too. Compared to the price of a good turntable playback system - which must also include a pickup arm, cartridge and phono preamp - it's really not that expensive. And of course at least some of its users consider their records to be priceless, further justifying the cost. The high end of audio is filled with products whose value would be dubious to the uninitiated. You might prefer "two weeks at a Fijian resort for two," but when that little holiday is over, you'll have nothing to show for it but perhaps some photos and memories. You also mentioned a "custom-made suit from an Italian mill" as an alternative. That seems like very poor value to me, compared to the Audio Desk, but everyone has to decide for himself. |
simao
" ...As for the suit, fly rod, and vacation - those are all objects or
experiences custom made for one person only (or a couple, in the case of
the latter) and not really suited for anyone else. That's a far cry
from a mass-produced (relatively speaking) cleaning device.
" Sorry, but you really don't know what you're talking about. Your $3000 hand-made fly-fishing rod is a production item, made from stock materials and finished to your spec. Your $3000 two weeks at a Fijian resort for two? For that kind of money, you're not using a private jet, but a commercial carrier. You'll sleep in a bed once used by others! You'll dine in restaurants that use standardized menus offered to nearly any other diner who enters. And that $3000 custom-made suit from an Italian mill? It's based on a pattern and modified to your specs. Yes, the suit and fly rod will require a fair amount of hand labor, but they are still production items. The Audio Desk cleaner is also a production item. But that something can be produced in production quantities don't mean it's "mass-produced." For example, a Toyota Corolla is mass produced. A Lamborghini is not, but it's not custom, either. It's a production item. It's apparent that the Audio Desk cleaner is not for you. No problem! You get to decide for yourself whether it represents good value, or not. Because you called it a "glorified vacuum cleaner" in your original post, it's pretty clear your mind was made up before the conversation here began. |
samzx12LMAO
I am sorry but I have been in this hobby for years and not meaning to
start a flaming war but seriously thousands for a record cleaner? ... If it makes you feel better and have the money to waste feel free but
your conscience has to get the better of you." I don't understand. Are you saying that if you think spending thousands of dollars on a record cleaner is a waste, my conscience should keep me from buying one? |
