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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
jetter
3,161 posts
 
How do you know the store or distributor is greedy? There may be agreements in place involving the manufacturer that dictates these prices, and Accuphase itself maybe charging a premium for US distribution.
 Cleeds, while I see your point, other than adjusting for any difference in the US vs overseas costs of distribution, what would be the benefit/purpose of Accuphase having two different profit pictures for the different markets?

If the manufacturer sells all of the product that it can make, there's little incentive to discount.

Agree, but with the caveat of wondering why they only seem to raise the prices in the US (I really have no actual experience with Accuphase pricing). 






d2girls's avatar
d2girls
1,029 posts
 
The benefit is clear to me. It’s to add an air of lustre and mysteriousness to the brand. The North American distributor is simply is indulging them. It’s definetly a good match for them.

I’m actually aware of the cultural differences in Japan and outsiders. They would prefer if their products were only sold to Japanese. It’s a sentiment that is deeply imbedded in public consciousness, it permeates everywhere and is why Japanese are actually one of the most xenophobic countries in the world.

Also if you guys were in the store with me and heard how I was being spoken to you’d be singing a different tune. Dealer was so rude, just in the tone of his voice and the way he handled things. I didn’t even talk about some other things he said. No way to treat a customer. 

cleeds
6,601 posts
 
d2girls
... Dealer was so rude, just in the tone of his voice and the way he handled things. I didn’t even talk about some other things he said. No way to treat a customer.
At one time or another, I think many audiophiles have experienced this class of "customer service" and there's no excuse for it, regardless of price. I'd walk out and never return.
jetter
3,161 posts
 
cleeds +1

Also if you guys were in the store with me and heard how I was being spoken to you’d be singing a different tune. 
Actually d2, we were more or less agreeing with you.


erik_squires
17,566 posts
 
@d2girls

I am so sorry you ran into this level of snobbery. I’m afraid that’s part of the luxury brand attitude in the US. I remember going to buy a Volvo or an Audi. Similar cars, and price points. The Volvo dealer spent most of his time on his cell phone.

I would like to say that Luxman dealers are not like this, but it has been 50 / 50. One was very laid back, happy to show me anything from D’Agostinos to Luxman or Rogue. No problem. Another, within driving distance, was a douche at a show.

I have a really tough time buying Accuphase at US prices, given the disparity with Japanese prices.

If I’m not mistaken, Luxman was doing the same thing, which was driven due to the US distributor wanting to keep an air or exclusivity, so they kicked him out and started their own distributorship, at the same time they have ramped up new product introductions. It seems to be working out much better for them. You should listen, since in Japan they are about the same price point.

Best,


E
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