RMAF 2018 - Creating the Future of the High-end 

The high end is the same for everything. It's a game largely by middle class people trying to get extremely wealthy people to part with their money. It doesn't matter what it is: wine, whiskey, art, speakers, amps, cars, etc. You market a product which provides a 1% improvement over the median price of most products and sell it for a 10,000% mark up. You hope you snag a few whales in the process.

Truly fine audio is like wine making. It doesn't measure all that well, but the tonal qualities evoke an emotional response. The sky is the limit as far as prices go. It's an art form, and like most art, it's truly not enjoyed enough by most to justify the prices. And even those who can afford the uber expensive systems, they use them as status symbols. Neither do wealthy people gawk at their Picasso's every day with admiration. If that's not one's cup of tea, and accuracy and clarity is, then it's pretty darn easy to achieve a great setup for under $5,000. Most people don't know what the flying flip they're trying to achieve or what makes one system better or worse for their needs or desires. So you're right, most people need the abounding marketing hype to get them to part with their money. If you want to understand the high end of everything it's this: "Middle class people trying to scam rich people out of their money, by providing a 1% improvement for a 10,000% mark up." There's a lot of dumb rich people out there who need to be fleeced. One way is to tax them. The other is to sell them something not worth the labor or expertise that went into building the product.

@@thunderpooch Everyone has their own invisible line that they draw when it comes to buying something. Buying the uber expensive products are expensive for several reasons. 1. They dump a lot of money in R&D and 2. They don't make that many of them, so the cost has to be adjusted to make their initial R&D, the cost to mfg., the cost to market, and regular overhead and HOPEFULLY they make an actual product. They also have to factor in some kind of profit margin to the reseller as well. If you have the money, then you buy what the fuck you want. Just like those that don't have money simply have to chose amongst lower priced products. is there a valid reason to spend the money on expensive stereos? Well, if you have the money, then why the fuck not. Do you think uber wealthy people that are into audio want cheap ass crap that everyone else has, or do they want expensive things that only a select few can afford? What't the point of being uber rich if you can't enjoy the spoils of your wealth? Sounds like you are a socialist that's jealous of other people's wealth and expensive toys they acquire. I can't afford super expensive equipment, but I can certainly admire the design and workmanship, and if the technology eventually becomes more affordable, then we can enjoy it without spending tons of money.

Shaved it way back.

Dave Clark , was kind of hoping you were a big Scott Ian of Anthrax fan

And all hifi stores will let you play is sleepytime lounge music

If you believe $200,000 amps are worth it, I have a $200,000 bottle of wine you should purchase from me.