The article is just an editorial, one man's opinion, and subjective. For example, who says the $40k piece is worse than the $4k piece, Doug? On the other hand that doesn't mean there isn't a good point, food for thought.
On one hand Doug says there should be less brands then says the brands should be more competitively priced. Economics was not a college course for me but I thought competition and competitive pricing went hand in hand. Let's face it as long as someone buys at a price there will be that price and someone else to try to raise the bar. As in Doug's example of costs rising in the 90's, what would have happened if those products sat on the shelf?
One thing Doug said struck me. I used to say I don't believe in the placebo effect. Doug says it may work for those who believe it. I can accept that. It doesn't work for me, I can't imagine anyone wanting to spend more money for something if not able to justify it. Maybe it's having to buy more carefully for me. I have compared various components including cables and power products with having to return or not purchase due to the performance not being better or enough gain to justify the additional money. If I take something out of my system and can't be satisfied without it, the those items I had to purchase. Unless I was allowed to listen and I knew up front I'd never be able to afford it.
Maybe it's due to why a person is buying the audio system. I have heard of those with money just wanting something perceived as good, or the best and just trusting the dealer or reviews or as Doug says the price tag. For me it's passion, I listen to my system for the enjoyment, that's why if something doesn't sound right to me it has to go or not be there in the first place. My system is modest to some here but I have spent beyond maybe what I should have on audio. It's my passion though, I don't drive, don't care about jewelry or other expensive items, my sacrifice went into my music listening. It's all about priority.
I personally think Doug used some extremes, I'd have to hear a $1500 speaker that sounds better an one costing $15,000 and wonder if it was true, why. Was Doug questioning the integrity of some whilst claiming not to?
I agree on the premise of the article, it's hard to get my head around some audio components costing as much as a luxury auto or modest house. Especially, cables, where maybe designed in a certain, special, way, still it's a strand of wire. I had that conversation with my dealer as I handed him my money, "these cost more than my washing machine" LOL In that case though the improvement was enough I didn't want them to leave my system.
One thing that I don't have any tolerance for though, other "audiophiles" trying to apply their beliefs and principals to others. If I choose to spend $15k or $150k on something it's none of your business and I don't need you to save me. If you believe in placebo then that's your issue but don't go trying to apply that to everyone, it's not your job, right or business, unless I'm on the sofa in your office paying you the $15k. If you have a room full of thrift store gear from the 70's and you are thrilled with it, that's your business but if I want more then that's my business. You stay in your lane and I will stay in mine.
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