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
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.
Onhwy61, you don't have to be sorry but if you are still confuse, then you are beyond my ability ... out of bullets. Good luck!
Onhwy61,I believe you feel that components are or should be priced on a cost plus basis.It just isn't done that way. Every item has a Market Price.This price has nothing to do with its cost.
If a manufacturer's suggested retail price is competitive
to its competition it may survive.
If it is superior in quality the maker should reap a very healthy profit.
If it is inferior well,who knows what will happen.
If an end user feels the product is over priced or he simply cant afford it he has the option not to purchase that product.Not all components are priced for the masses I dont understand why so many here complain about the cost or knock others that purchased one of these so called over priced items.

Hi Charles,
I've been going back and forth on passive vs. active as you know for a couple of years. I find that my passive sounds more real and less in the way, then most of the actives (some sota)that have been through my system.
So my flea powered Franks drives my system to 90+ spl's with ease and enough of the punch that pleases me. Not sure many 300b amps could pull that off but as you often state YMMV.
Regards,
08-26-11: Goldeneraguy
...I dont understand why so many here complain about the cost or knock others that purchased one of these so called over priced items.

As for me, I never complain about the price, or a company's profit margins, we are all free to buy or not to buy. What does get a bit of a rise out of me is the belief that you get what you pay for and more expensive means better - it ain't necessarily so, at least not beyond a certain price point, one which I think is lower than most would suspect. At least as sound quality goes, and then there are several aspect of a product that can be quite costly that have little to nothing to do with sound but cosmetics, ergonomics, and pride of ownership (bling factor).