HOW can components be so expensive, and yet customer service is so bad.

I've had exceptional service from Wyred 4 Sound, Raven Audio, Bel Canto, McCormack and Nola

@sns So, why do you have a Klipschorn? That’s a large faceless corporation, as you might say, with all their stuff floating around in bestbuy. You could have bought a speaker from some faceless "elusive" guy in his garage instead?

Lets see, i suppose i prefer to have stuff from "large faceless corporations" anymore. The perks appear to be...highly trained techs who’ll fix anything, a robust supply chain with replacement parts available years down the line, if needed, etc.

But, the "elusive" garage seller managed all of that for you, instead (better than these faceless corporations)?

We could also open your elusive garage made pieces vs my faceless corporate pieces and compare/determine which one had the adequate r&d, engineering resources, manufacturing savvy, etc...shine some extra light on this topic.

One of the reasons I generally don’t purchase audio components from large faceless corporations. I’ve been purchasing components from smaller scale operations for years, direct communication with owner/designer, these guys can be very generous with their time, solve your issues. Minus this, dealers are the key, having in house technical department important to me.

You can always count on reaching someone helpful and patient at Audio Research and often it's Dave Gordon himself answering the phone! Same with Mcintosh the few times I called with a question on my C53, they either answered right away or followed up and returned my call. Same with Pass Labs and same with B&W, SVS, Bel Canto, MoFi and many more I can think of top of mind. 

Can I add great device manufacturers: Atma-Sphere, Radu Tarta, Charney Audio, Aric Audio, PS Audio, and First Watt to name a few I have experience with. 
Dealers: Atelier 13 Audio  in Nashville has been great. Constantin is always extremely responsive and very easy to deal with. I have never lived close to Nashville, but he gives service like I am his next door neighbor and friend. I would not hesitate to work with him remotely. He has sent me demo equipment to try in my system. Gestalt Hi Fi in New Mexico was similar, although I think he closed shop. 

OP...Cost of hifi gear is no sure indication of customer service. It is indeed a common and growing complaint. See if you can locate a local dealer or audiophile group that may help with any issues you experience. In 2025 so many things are DYI, just the way it is.