Why Is Hi Fi Gear So Darn Expensive?


Why Is Hi-Fi Gear So Darn Expensive?! - The Absolute Sound

Interesting read.

"I recently heard a small 2-way stand mount speaker at a show. The sound was excellent. The product was priced at $50,000 or thereabouts, per pair. Allowing for distribution and marketing leaves about $25,000."

$25000 for distribution and marketing? Really? That much more for this than a similar product at 1/10th the cost?

I don’t doubt the marketing cost per unit could be much higher with boutique products. Makes sense. Is the cat is out of the bag regarding the value proposition of boutique products?

How about fancy fuses marketed for free here that cost practically nothing to ship? Oh my!

I guess there are "excellent" expensive boutique products and others that offer value everywhere. Hifi not unique. Take your pick! Live and learn!

The article also chalks up people’s reactions to high-fi prices to emotion. What about the sound they hear? Real or emotionally distorted? What would Mr. Spock think about that? I know he likes music...he plays a harp!

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Showing 1 response by chocaholic

Thyname…the difference between a VW and a Ferrari is profound and obvious via all senses. Many (including me) would say the difference between a $2k amp and a $20k amp is very subtle and indistinguishable by many, save for the aesthetics. So, not a realistic analogy IMHO.

Here’s an odd analogy, but one that hits close to home. We use an old school veterinarian who argues that most vets prices prevent people from properly caring for their animals. Charge a reasonable price for appropriate and effective service and people will care for their pets. The analogy?  Extreme high margins restrict the public from a hobby that might otherwise attract a much larger audience who will buy equipment to further be exposed to an even larger audience. But alas…I doubt that’s the objective.