Can someone explain to me why : Accupahse Equipment is that expensive ?


…….I was recently looking into their Power Conditioners as well as their Amplifiers and for a company where there is very little reviews done on their products, along with a small ( here in the US anyway )  almost a cult following if someone could tell me why is their prices the way they are. I just don't understand it. I have listened to their equipment and is nice and the build quality is very good but ; I always said to myself ; '' Not for that price ". I do not mean to be in an any way inflammatory with this statement but is :  Accuphase the McIntosh of the East ?  McIntosh makes some nice stuff but is no way priced like Accuphase, however it seems to operate very much with the same business model ; you are paying for the name and the pride of ownership and the sound is very much dated. Maybe I am missing something here and the sound is very good and like Rolex you buy a piece and you are set for a lifetime. FM Acoustics is also another one of the those companies......Just looking for a really good amp and these companies come up in my search but I am just sitting here scratching my head ?           
garebear
If you are looking for a good North American amp that will last for many years with excellent build quality and soundstage then try Bryston or Anthem both made in Canada, Bryston with a 20 year warranty and Anthem with all parts made in house.
Where can one even see and hear Accuphase? They are missing from the remaining physical stores. And Internet stores, for that matter. I was interested in comparing Accuphase and Luxman and almost had to abandon both as there are only so many days in the year I can dedicate to figuring out where to find them. Try to find a place that carries both. Now, try harder to find a place that has them in stock. I concluded that Accuphase is Nessie. The rumor is that some have seen it, but nobody I know has succeeded.

One of the reasons Accuphase can charge a lot is unusual design with high quality workmanship. That workmanship part is word on the Internet and not an actual observation. That would be good enough for a small group who care about it. Of course, along with acceptable sound. McIntosh is probably the same way except it is widely available, but not everybody is enamored by its looks.

If anyone is keeping a tally, I do not own a watch.
McIntosh made in USA, Accuphase made in Japan, but all parts made in China lol
I only buy used components, but will offer a slightly different perspective.

I have owned two different vintage Accuphase tuners, and they are outstanding. I currently also own an E-303x integrated amp, and, though it was manufactured in the '80s, have absolutely no incentive to replace it. Yes, I initially spent some additional money re-capping and tweaking it, but have no doubt that it can hold its own with, or even outperform many contemporary amps costing as much or more.

I have also heard high-end technicians marvel at the build-quality of older Accuphase components.

As for specific sound, that will, as always, depend on associated equipment, listening space, personal preferences, etc.