Pass Labs

I usually refrain from commenting in threads such as this, because these kinds of discussions tend to not be constructive and to have little to do with audio. In this case, however, I feel compelled to say that the post by Aardvarkbark seems to me to be among the most narrow-minded, arrogant, and lacking in empathy that I can recall seeing here.

This will be my only post in this thread. Regards,
-- Al

Wow. Three cheers for compassion and an open heart! I usually get chased off of male dominated forums for standing up for the oppressed, let alone seeing others take that stance. This hasn't been a politically minded forum, so it makes me happy to see that you aren't all lacking in basic human qualities.

This is relative.  Pointing to an $85k amp price that many folks, even here, think is "nuts," and suggesting that someone who can or does buy one is somehow heartless or lacks empathy.  Is it the same with a $5 coffee, a $100 steak, $200 wine, $500 scotch, or almost anything else that the "first" world enjoys or takes for granted that many, many others can't (like even food at all or fresh water)?

I suspect most of the folks who bother to post have at least one component that sells for an amount probably 90+% of the population would think is nuts.  Most, here, probably have systems in the top 1% in price and quality--probably not that difficult, though, when most of the world seems overjoyed with low-res digital, stock smartphone earbuds, an HTIB, or a soundbar.

Anyway, anyone here jumping to sell that 1% gear to fund grain (or, I guess, a condom cluster bomb (as suggested elsewhere)) for those who are less fortunate?  For those kids who are starving, those who are ill...or those kids who will likely never have an opportunity to experience anything approaching hifi?  If not, is that heartless and lacking empathy, too?

I certainly don't think so, but I'm not buying $85k amps (which IS pretty nuts), either.  But, if there are folks who can and are willing to pay that...good for them and good for Pass and good for any other luxury-product-maker-person.

Maybe I'm just a sociopath, but I don't feel heartless or guilty if I stop for a red-eye at a coffee shop on the way to work or grill a USDA prime grade strip steak on the weekend.

Off to roll in some new 6sl7 in amps that cost significantly less than $85k.  Maybe, though, the next time I'm ready to click "buy it," I'll make an additional donation, instead.

Stfoth - I agree completely. I think it's crazy that there are things that cost as much as they do, but I tend to notice it, remark on its insanity, then go about my day.. I think the responses about compassion and the plight of the less fortunate were in response to the post suggesting that those of us calling attention to such expensive gear are simply jealous that we haven't been given super expensive gear. That we are entitled. But I think for most of us it's the cognitive dissonance that comes with knowing this world has people paying $90k for stereo equipment at the same time there are people living off less than $2/day.

I'm not jealous, nor do I carry around hatred for those who own such things. But it's hard not to notice such outrageous price tags when they do pop up.

I posted an honest question a while back asking who would buy a Boulder 3060 amp hoping to learn more about the type of speakers that demand such an amp and the discussions went the same way as this thread. Lessons learned.