I'd say because there's a middle man ie the distributor, instead of going from the factory direct to the dealer as the majority of audio products here in the US do. The distributor basically sets the price, and of course it's gonna be higher because he or she wants a big cut of the profits. Sorry if I stepped on any toes, but that's the way I see it. |
I see. No, I don't buy into it either. That stuff is a safe bet. Exactly, it's a free market. |
Schubert: Pay who, the dist.? No, it wouldn't, because simply, no middle man to take a cut. |
Zavato: I know what you mean. That is exactly right and exactly my point as well. And no nothing illegal with doing that at all. The tricky part is with electronics and different voltages from say, Japan and Europe however. Some companies have a switch right on the back, but many require that you rewire the damn thing. It's not the hardest job in the world, but if you know what you're doing, no problem. If not, kaboom. Yes, there are transformers, but those are said to degrade the sound. Some disagree with this however. |
I suppose you could take it to an independent tech and have him or her rewire it, but if they don't know what they're doing and or don't even do the job, forget it. |
Taters: Yes, you have to be careful when buying, because it is better to keep the product than sell. I don't see why you couldn't get the parts direct from Dynaudio or the dist. over there, but maybe not.
It depends on the person when selling, some care, some don't. Obviously, when you paid less you can sell for less on the used market. When selling electronics of a different voltage, if you're tech savvy, no problem. If not, then yes there is a problem. However, there are some (emphasis on some) independent techs who can do a good job of fixing things. Provided they can get the parts, which might be difficult, then you're ok. All of this must be researched before buying.
Playing in the high end is always a risk when it comes to service and parts. And a risk in general...The parts usually are quite expensive unless under warranty. Then you have equipment matching and what have you which I can't stress enough. *If* it's truly excellent equipment, it won't need much service if at all, and only new parts 20-30 years down the road by which time will be out of warranty for most high end products.
That's basically my take. |
Bill: Exactly right. You nailed each point perfectly. Great post. Allow me to add that the markups in many cases don't add up and or make sense. I know there are bills to be paid, salaries, R&D, and what have you, yes. But, the numbers still don't add up or justify the high price in as you said, the cost of whatever component is to make. I can't help but think there's some greed or a lot of greed involved. It's a human weakness, and has been going on for centuries. There are some "good guys" in audio though that price fairly and make a great product, however. |
Photon46: I already addressed this: "I know there are bills to be paid, salaries, R&D, and what have you, yes. But, the numbers still don't add up or justify the high price in as you said, the cost of whatever component is to make."
In my opinion, of course. I don't know the exact numbers not being in the internal bowels of these companies, but let's face it there's big big profits at hand here.
That's my take. |
With imported components, it has more to do with the middle men than the dealers and manufacturers, really...but the manufacturer sets the initial price, and the dealer can sell at whatever price he or she wants really. Anyway, I personally am not painting manufacturers any which way in particular, most of them are good people with good intentions; however, however, when you start deducting things with some products, what's left? Big profits, or big-ger profits, and let's be honest, the prices, the markup, on high end audio is more than ever. I'm not an economist or anything like that, but something's wrong with this picture, in my opinion. I'm not trying to be Ralph Nader Jr. here, but the consumer is not bring treated fairly, especially when you consider the resale value of most high end equipment. But, that's the way it is, and i am in no way trying to expose the industry, because after all, without the industry, what would we buy? We would have to DIY, of course, which many are doing as a matter of fact.
Of course no one's forcing anyone to buying high end audio, you can just go to best buy and buy a $100 receiver and $200 speakers, plus $50 blue ray player and be done until the units crap out. But when you want the best, it's never cheap, or gonna be cheap, but unfortunately, this shuts a lot of people out who want and appreciate this stuff. |
Hi Bill,
No problem. Well, since you put it that way, I would agree. Perhaps I'm being too pessimistic here. The gloom and doom man, haha. I know very well, that this is a business, and making money is part and parcel of the whole thing. That is true (low volume) especially for the top of the line and near the top units. Thanks for your post, it allowed me to see things in a different light. |
cuz when i see lets say burmester gear prices in europe...and in america...you dont have to be smart to conclude they are ripping you off big time... Sad but true, unfortunately... |
Well by far most audio gear is far cheaper in the US compared to Europe. Party due to the higher VAT. The VAT is 20% where I live. Yeah, that VAT has gotta suck big time... |
