Has High-End Audio's escalating MSRPs gone off the rails?
Maybe it's just me, or maybe not. Viewing and reading about High-End Munich 2023 was super exciting; the return of exhibitors, new product offerings, media coverages from every corner of the world...high end audio is alive and well!
But I'm also taken back by the number of manufacturers/distributors sharing insane list prices for their products. This is high-end audio, I get it.
But there's a point where I feel some of us will take a pause. It seemed many of the demo rooms have 2-Channel setups well in excess of $250k-$500K. For example, Marten introduced a new Quintet Septet model (visually identical to a standard Quintet) starting at $108k Euros vs $75k USD for Quintet.
The flagship Borresen M3 retails for $280k USD will be eclipsed by the new M6 $550k. Let's not forget the ESD Acoustics (never-ever heard of) room, per presenter...$1.6mil+ for their standard setup up to $5mil+. Insane, yes!
I recall a thread where Charles mentioned various manufacturers charge stratospheric prices for their offerings but lack the performance/value compared to their segment competitors...along the lines I was thinking about rising MSRPs.
Off my soap box, what are your thoughts?
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Main System: Sf Amati Tradition, B&W DB1 sub, McIntosh C2300, MC501s, MA12000, MCD500, HiFi Rose RS150B, Oppo 105, Niagara 5000, AQ Tornado/Thunder/Blizzard PCs, Robin Hood BiWire (zero+bass), Gibraltar SCs, Water ICs, Cinnamon RJ/E, Solidsteel HF-3 racks.
2nd System: Sf Cremona Auditor M, McIntosh C50, MC275(VI), MA6600, Node 2i, Oppo 95, AQ NRG-4 PCs, Robin Hood Zero SC, Cobra/Nordost Heimdall ICs.
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