Modern Linestages


This is a general question about how complex and expensive some linestages have become. I'm looking to understand why? I can grasp that really good volume controls are complicated and that equally good switches are not inexpensive. I also have a general understanding of the importance of a high quality power supply, which again is not going to come cheap. I just don't comprehend how you get to a 50lbs. plus preamps that cost well over $20k. Is this level of complexity really needed or is it the equivalent of the spate of 500hp "sedans" for every day driving?
128x128onhwy61
Start a power cord thread and I've seen more peace and harmony in an Oakland Raiders parking lot after a game. :-)

Onemug...that was hysterical! I recall going to Chargers/Raiders games that featured more action in the stands than in the game - LOL ;-)

Best,

Sam
Sam I see where you`re coming from, nothing wrong with that approach to system building at all. We all choose are own way to musical joy.
Mitch4t and C1ferrari,
glad you appreciated the humor.
In this day of acronyms, I find it interesting that "OR" can stand for either Operating Room or Oakland Raiders. Coincidence? I don't think so.

Looks like it's been heading southward from my 8-23 post.

Lately I've been dividing my attention between Irene and this thread. One is a phenomena that is wreaking havoc, upsetting people and causing a lot of anxiety. The other is a hurricane.
Thorman: "The Manufacturers operate at a Mark up of 500%...Thats the reality of it....."

I suppose that's true from one perspective, and I've heard that parts cost typically is only about one-SEVENTH of the RR$.

But do understand, first, that the manufacturer is lucky to get 1/2 of that retail price, and then labor, plant overhead, customer service, administrative costs, product-development costs, and last and only last, profit have to be covered in that wholesale price. Lots of hi-end-equipment manufacturers are NOT profitable and eventually die. Certainly some hi-end manufacturers are profitable, but to blab with no apparent understanding that equipment manufacturers operate on a 500% markup is simply idiot.
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A manufacturer will charge whatever the market will bear. It has nothing to do with design, manufacturer cost ... as long as there is demand for whatever reason.
Knghifi, sorry I don't understand. Perhaps you could provide a few examples of high end linestages that fit your model of business behavior. Alternatively, you could explain how demand for higher end linestages is unrelated to design considerations or manufacturing costs.