2. amps-preamps
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has BAT priced itself out of the market?


I'm a big fan of BAT equipment and have used and loved their equipment over the years. My concern is that with the introduction of their REX series they may have lost their position in the "sweet spot" for most realistic and accessible products. I owned VK60 at $4500 which was reasonable for performance/ fit and finish. Now new REX amps goin for $40k and are basically same 60w-75w amps with enhanced driver tubes and upgraded capacitors. The appeal of BAT to me was always the look and sound of the product. It seems with the introduction of REX the looks have changed slightly, the sound has improved relatively but the price has increased ASTRONOMICALY!!!?? Also, not seeing their products showcased at as many high end shows anymore?? Does anyone else feel the same??
wwchange
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Just so Photon.
Reminds me of Mercedes-Benz, when they first began selling cars in USA they sold them at what they were priced in Germany.Sold very few, only people who knew the brand were GI's who'd been in Germany and who thought they were just taxis.
Pulled out of US market and came back few years later and priced them at twice what they sold for in Germany and the rest is history.
czarivey
5,697 posts
 
Same thing can be sold to the wealthier consumer at higher dollar. Better profit, less labor. Just add more educated and professional BS to convince such as "Just listen and Trust Your Own Ears".
VK is about to retire so slowing down with this common strategy is quite natural for especially small manufacturer and retailer. It's much easier to support post-sale ONE unit instead of 10 also.
When I feel like I can't keep up with internet or retail sales, I increase prices of the product I sell to slow down and to keep income near-same.
Will ever Fruit of the Loom start manufacturing couture targetting rockstars instead of inmates who knows?
keithr
1,306 posts
 
I think 19k for a stereo tube amp is a bit much. my 75SE was 8k 10 years ago. i know it should be higher now, but not that high.

disclosure: long time BAT owner/fan
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Just add more educated and professional BS to convince such as "Just listen and Trust Your Own Ears"."

Why would that be bad advice? Doing it that way lets the product stand on its own merits.

"has BAT priced itself out of the market?"

That's the beauty of the market. If BAT makes a mistake, they pay for it.
wwchange OP
18 posts
 
All points well taken. Is a Rolex President Really worth $32k based on price of gold and parts to mfg?? Its attractive because it's not accessible to everyone. Does a $5k bottle of wine really taste that much better than a good $100 bottle? The key is how would you know if you can't afford the buy in cost. I think the high end audio market is going in the same direction. Those that can afford the price of admission can convince themselves that they have the best money can buy without feeling the need to evaluate other lower cost options because like everything else, the more it costs the better it is right?? Wrong.....
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