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Can someone explain to me why : Accupahse Equipment is that expensive ?

…….I was recently looking into their Power Conditioners as well as their Amplifiers and for a company where there is very little reviews done on their products, along with a small ( here in the US anyway )  almost a cult following if someone could tell me why is their prices the way they are. I just don't understand it. I have listened to their equipment and is nice and the build quality is very good but ; I always said to myself ; '' Not for that price ". I do not mean to be in an any way inflammatory with this statement but is :  Accuphase the McIntosh of the East ?  McIntosh makes some nice stuff but is no way priced like Accuphase, however it seems to operate very much with the same business model ; you are paying for the name and the pride of ownership and the sound is very much dated. Maybe I am missing something here and the sound is very good and like Rolex you buy a piece and you are set for a lifetime. FM Acoustics is also another one of the those companies......Just looking for a really good amp and these companies come up in my search but I am just sitting here scratching my head ?           
garebear
ggc
78 posts
 
So here is some boring reality of the audio business  -
Accuphase was a subsidiary of Kenwood for many years. So Kenwood and Accuphase would share several of the same parts and designs. After moving in different marketing directions Accuphase ended up in a partnership with a company called Trio. Trio eventually was taken over by JVC who is now in a partnership with Kenwood. Kenwood always had a stronger US market presence so its unlikely that they would compete against themselves. 

Now known as JVCKenwood, the company is moving out of the consumer market and moving towards telecommunications and aero space. Accuphase is still making equipment but does not benefit from the same partnerships it previously had to source top quality parts. 

Other audio companies that have had issues with Hedges and Big company shake ups are, McIntosh, Sonus Faber, Krell, Pass, Wadia
Audio Research and REL to name a few.

By the way The Pinto and Aston Martin were both produced by Ford. The Pinto was discontinued several years ago and the Martin was sold to a hedge based in Kuwait. 
garebear OP
719 posts
 
...thank you for the post Mr GGC and I did know that hence the reference.  I do not believe they are associated now. I have read about the Hedges ...and I think you can throw B&W as well as Classe' in that group as well. However, something can be said about the perpetuation of the company as Thiel sadly found out.      
glupson
1,794 posts
 
garebear,

Huh, from what I heard about Ford Pinto, I conclude that, to take it from New York to Florida, you were a reckless risk-taker in the 70s.


It has nothing to do with Accuphase, but you mentioned Austin Martin. I think you wanted to say Aston Martin although there used to be a British car brand Austin, too. I would say they were around about the time you drove Pinto. I think Pinto was discontinued in 1980s or so.
archguy's avatar
archguy
14 posts
 
Pretty much nailed it--they are uniformly extraordinary offerings (particularly the recent and current gear) and priced accordingly.    The only issue is the dealer markup in the USA which is indeed exorbitant. 
 oranfoster It’s the perfect storm....
1) Accuphase gear is of exceptional quality.
2) Accuphase components are exquisitely beautiful.
3) While the Accuphase catalog is deep, they are rare.
4) Employees of Accuphase are highly paid.
5) The usual markups throughout the supply chain.

greginnh
320 posts
 
Arch guy, the dealer markup is not the issue.  It’s a 40 point line like most gear.  The importer markup is the major issue.  
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