Why Is Hi Fi Gear So Darn Expensive?

As a gardener, I am constantly hearing the same- 'But, it's so expensive', or 'Why do you charge more than the other guy?'

Let me tell you knowledge, quality and self-respect must be factored into making a functional, viable business.

I can't speak for stereo manufacturers, but for me, I factor in my decades of knowledge/experience, ability to conform to different styles, and a need to get paid enough so that I don't have to chase my tail.

For 97% of the people out there, I am overpriced. To the remaining 3%, I provide quality service that they can't get anywhere else. I manage to make a living.

B

The best sounding gear is priced beyond the means of most people.  They are luxury items and audio equipment is no different than other consumer product categories.  Fortunately, there's just tons of good to great sounding equipment at non-stratospheric prices.  As a thought experiment put together a single source system at different price levels.  Start at $1k, then $10k and finally $100k.  The more expensive system will be better, but the middle system is quite good and even the cheap system can put a smile on your face.

Just to throw another different stick into the fire.... on youtube Danny at GR Research often takes apart big name speakers to show audiophiles and really anyone else what you get for the money you spend on high dollar speakers. He has done this with companies like Paradigm and others and the results are often very illuminating to say the least. Often big cash doesn’t even buy the best capacitors, or better made crossovers or even drivers themselves. Many companies don’t make their own drivers.... Also Jays Audio also revealed that Magico's $75k speakers don't come with grills and the replacement tweeter costs $1,700.00 and you have have a pay freight to send these monster speakers back to Magico. Once the speakers are fixed they don't pay to ship them back to you, the owner has to pick them up!!! One really needs to scratch their head and ask important questions about the real aim of spending large amounts on money on audio equipment. What is it that one is trying to do?

This is pretty simple:

• I cannot afford a Ferrari
• I can, however, afford a Volkswagen
• I drive a Volkswagen
• I do not complain about how expensive the Ferrari is

Bottom line for me: I buy the car I can afford. Ignore the cars I cannot afford

@thyname 

+1

In addition you can work very hard (or more for the purpose of making money) in order to afford more or you can due without and concentrate your buying power on one thing. 
 

I drove ancient used cars until I was forty. I funneled most discretionary capital into audio. Focus. Also, I always pursued a career in what interested me, and one compatible with my disabled partners well-being, and income was always tertiary concern. But eventually I still was able to make a fair amount of money… hence I have a nice system.