Why are so many companies like harbeth making old speakers designs and charging thousends?


Hi everyone I am a little confused about the speaker market. I had been two dealers that sell totally different products. The one I had been to which I bought my forests from sells Totem And Monitor Audio and B&W. though I went to the other that sells Harbeth And audio note speakers which they recommended me buying. And the problem I have trouble understanding Is when I spend thousands on a speaker. Especially my next big purchase. That has no real new technology and is the size of my dads old conerwalls and never use to cost Thousands to build. With no technological advancements. to a product such as the totem that is small compact and modern for the wife approval , and to be more exact. The new Element line and technologically advanced like the torrent driver. Which I can get the same speaker as the same cost or less of the audio note and Harbeth and dose not need to take up the whole room or look like the 70's. Whats your opinion? Would you buy a product that is a 30 year old design that costs 5 times as more with the only diffinceses as upgraded silver wire and upgraded crossover components. To a thousand dollar woofer that is machined not stamped and has so much magnetic flux that it ca lift a car and no crossover?
128x128jakecanada

Showing 3 responses by mapman

Www.ohmspeakers.com sell updated and refurbed versions of their old box designs similar to modern Harbeth for essentially the same price they cost 40 years ago.   Don't know how they compare sound wise but the originals were always one of my favorites back in the day and the new versions must be as good or better.   A pair of refurbed Ohm H speakers is a pretty formidable speaker for only  $800 a pair these days.   When available.  
I think its just the market is limited these days for many niche high end audio products so profit margins per unit must be higher to stay in business   Factor in high overhead costs to market and distribute internationally and such and there you go.
There were some Harbeths in a room at CAF.  I would have loved to hear them but they were not running at the time.  

They definitely have a nice and unique aesthetic charm and seem to get good reviews so why shouldn't people want them.