Hola,
We seem to have quite an array of opinions about when a certain component becomes "stupidly overpriced" vs. a "real world value."
As an audiophile, I find that many non-audiophiles find ANY audio expense to be "stupid expensive." So, I know we are in a fringe group just by being here!
You'd think within our hobby, we could at least not have that issue to contend with, but we do!
I'm curious as to what price point, for you, do components cross over from acceptably priced vs. over-priced or "worthy of criticism."
I know of a person who claims to be an audiophile who spent around 14 or 15 thousand dollars for his speakers, yet claims that is a "value." He says that a 10,000 dollar digital playback system by one company provides "value," too.
However, he draws the line at about 40 bucks for an interconnect, and 3 bucks for an AC power cord.
It makes me wonder, are there any points of concensus on component price?
What are your "value" limits?
I'll even go first.
I like the MBL speaker line, and it tops out at about 45K. I doubt I'll ever own any, but I like them and don't spend time criticizing the price. I like the Avantegarde Trios and their subwoofers, and they probably top out around 100K. I can't make myself criticize their price, the Trios are tre cool. Once speakers hit that 100K+ mark, I no longer see them as "worth the price."
I don't develop the need to rant about such a speaker system, and I'd gladly sit and listen to it without berating the owner, but above that range, they cross into the "that's kinda crazy" zone. (Speaking only for myself!)
For turntables, I'm fine thinking about 10,000 dollar tables, 4,000 dollar arms, and 2,000 dollar cartridges, but when I see a Koetsu mineral ensconced moving coil for 15,000 dollars, it makes me, an avid vinyl lover (!) say, "They gotta be kidding."
But then, my in laws say, "100 dollars for a record player and needle? That's crazy talk!"
I look at the 40,000 dollar SME model 30, and say, "Nope, I don't get it."
For a power amp, I top out at about 2,500 dollars per channel. (I biamp, so I'm thinking 5K for two channels is in the realm of expense/"value.")
So, when I sit here and see someone with a 15,000 dollar pair of speakers raging against a more expensive component, I kinda start to wonder if I am seeing one mental patient call another mental patient crazy. 
Just curious, what is are your component limits before you say to yourself, "I wouldn't go that high even if I had the money," or some such similar line of demarcation?
Hola,
We seem to have quite an array of opinions about when a certain component becomes "stupidly overpriced" vs. a "real world value."
As an audiophile, I find that many non-audiophiles find ANY audio expense to be "stupid expensive." So, I know we are in a fringe group just by being here!
You'd think within our hobby, we could at least not have that issue to contend with, but we do!
I'm curious as to what price point, for you, do components cross over from acceptably priced vs. over-priced or "worthy of criticism."
I know of a person who claims to be an audiophile who spent around 14 or 15 thousand dollars for his speakers, yet claims that is a "value." He says that a 10,000 dollar digital playback system by one company provides "value," too.
However, he draws the line at about 40 bucks for an interconnect, and 3 bucks for an AC power cord.
It makes me wonder, are there any points of concensus on component price?
What are your "value" limits?
I'll even go first.
I like the MBL speaker line, and it tops out at about 45K. I doubt I'll ever own any, but I like them and don't spend time criticizing the price. I like the Avantegarde Trios and their subwoofers, and they probably top out around 100K. I can't make myself criticize their price, the Trios are tre cool. Once speakers hit that 100K+ mark, I no longer see them as "worth the price."
I don't develop the need to rant about such a speaker system, and I'd gladly sit and listen to it without berating the owner, but above that range, they cross into the "that's kinda crazy" zone. (Speaking only for myself!)
For turntables, I'm fine thinking about 10,000 dollar tables, 4,000 dollar arms, and 2,000 dollar cartridges, but when I see a Koetsu mineral ensconced moving coil for 15,000 dollars, it makes me, an avid vinyl lover (!) say, "They gotta be kidding."
But then, my in laws say, "100 dollars for a record player and needle? That's crazy talk!"
I look at the 40,000 dollar SME model 30, and say, "Nope, I don't get it."
For a power amp, I top out at about 2,500 dollars per channel. (I biamp, so I'm thinking 5K for two channels is in the realm of expense/"value.")
So, when I sit here and see someone with a 15,000 dollar pair of speakers raging against a more expensive component, I kinda start to wonder if I am seeing one mental patient call another mental patient crazy.
Just curious, what is are your component limits before you say to yourself, "I wouldn't go that high even if I had the money," or some such similar line of demarcation?