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Thread: I guess it's all a matter of perspective...

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    I guess it's all a matter of perspective...

    I was just browsing through the May 2016 edition of Stereophile, and came across this (edited) mention in the Calendar of Industry Events: Saturday, June 25th, 2-5pm. "Several complete systems below $15,000 will be highlighted." Wow! That should bring out the coupon shoppers!

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    Super Moderator Site Moderator JohnMichael's Avatar
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    I find myself easily losing perspective when I read about a speaker that is only $16,000 compared to the typical product by this manufacturer being in the mid $20's and up and I find it is a bargain. When did I start thinking like that since none of it is obtainable.
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    JohnMichael
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    Interesting topic since I have just started working with a Planning group to come up with a retirement plan to be put in place. After our second meeting, our homework for the 3rd meeting is to decide what our Wants and Luxury things would be when we retire. Along with $$$ for Travel each year and a hopefully 1 time $20k for a dog that we always wanted, I also am budgeting $20K for a completely new Audio System.

    I really only planned to spend $15k but the extra $5k will be a nice buffer. Hopefully those systems will still be available then

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    Forum Regular Jack in Wilmington's Avatar
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    When we retired (5 years ago), I knew I wouldn't have the disposable income that I used to have when I was working, so upgrading my audio would be a longer, slower process. Since I was quite happy with my last 2 purchases before retiring (Pass Amp and Cary Preamp), I couldn't see any expenditures in the near future. I have replaced my HT receiver recently but that was out of necessity, as the old one crapped out.

    Once we decided that we were going to stay in our home and not move to a 55 and older community, where most of the maintenance is taken care of for you, we decided to remodel our 2-1/2 baths for our benefit. We got rid of the tub in our bathroom and put in a nice sized walk-in shower, as most accidents happen at home, we didn't want to become a statistic. When we get the mortgage paid off (5 years) we'll have money for some new audio equipment, even though she has asked how much the record cleaner I want will cost. I keep hinting.
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    Shostakovich fan Feanor's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JohnMichael View Post
    I find myself easily losing perspective when I read about a speaker that is only $16,000 compared to the typical product by this manufacturer being in the mid $20's and up and I find it is a bargain. When did I start thinking like that since none of it is obtainable.
    Their plan is working !!! Hifi equipment makers have been systematically working for a couple of decades to "up-market" consumer thinking in general.

    There are trends that have enabled and, for some makers, necessitated this trend. First is the ever-increasing spread between the top 10% of income earners and the rest; it's not that there are more people with money, but that there are a few people with a lot more money. Secondly North American & European makers have driven out of the mass consumer market by Asian makers; to survive, the former are force them to cater high-end niche markets. These markets have limited volume and catering makers must support short production runs that higher product margins and therefore prices.

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    I only recently renewed my subscription to Stereophile after cancelling it (along with my subscription to TAS) years ago. I was sick of their pandering to products completely beyond my reach. Upon receiving my first copy, I was immediately reminded why I cancelled when they had some outrageously priced speaker on the cover and reviewed 3 hideously priced amplifiers. Initially, I started to reconsider my subscription and then an epiphany occurred: This is just like my car magazines.

    As a gearhead, I have no interest in reading about Corrola's or Camry's, I want the scoop on the McLaren 675LT or Pagani Huayra, even though I will likely never be able to afford either. For non-gearheads, the idea of spending $400,000 on a car is as inane as an audiophile spending $27,000 on Wilson Sasha's and considering it a bargain. Is $15,000 for an audio system expensive? I don't know, is $81,000 for a 650hp Corvette Z06 too much for a car that will smoke just about anything that lines up against it? To me, the 'Vette is a bargain.

    Perspective, indeed.
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    A $20k dog?!!! In deed, perspect. You could probably adopt two foreign kids for that, LOL That dog would never leave my sight, probably not thehouse.

    TS, has the right idea.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    A $20k dog?!!! In deed, perspect. You could probably adopt two foreign kids for that, LOL That dog would never leave my sight, probably not thehouse.

    TS, has the right idea.
    No, you got it all wrong. We Googled around for an average of what it cost to take care of "a dog" over it's possible lifespan of 12-14 years.

    Not one of these...


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    I read Stereo Review (back in the day) and have subscribed to Stereophile off and on for several decades. Occasionally I would cancel the subscription for the same reasons stated above, but then found I don't subscribe to read about what I'm going to purchase, but more for new design trends and to read about what make the best the best. At 61, diminishing returns come quickly. I could buy a $20,000 pre-amp, but it wouldn't be because I can hear that nth degree of high-end detail, but more because I know it's the best and for bragging rights. Edging closer to retirement, I think my focus will be more towards improving what I have, than replacing it.

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    Suspended topspeed's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hyfi View Post
    No, you got it all wrong. We Googled around for an average of what it cost to take care of "a dog" over it's possible lifespan of 12-14 years.
    Honestly, I was on the same page as Mr. P. When you mentioned a $20,000 dog, the only thing that came to mind are the highly trained guard dogs I always see in the Robb Report.


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    Super Moderator Site Moderator JohnMichael's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hyfi View Post
    No, you got it all wrong. We Googled around for an average of what it cost to take care of "a dog" over it's possible lifespan of 12-14 years.

    Not one of these...



    Now I know why I am broke. The dog eats too well.
    JohnMichael
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    LOLOL, now that makes sense. For $20k a dog better be making you money or something

    [QUOTE=Hyfi;407571]No, you got it all wrong. We Googled around for an average of what it cost to take care of "a dog" over it's possible lifespan of 12

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    Forum Regular hifitommy's Avatar
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    yeah, i listen to >$200k speakers fairly often but of course won't be buying any of those. but its good to know what the best Magico speakers and Constellation/Souloution electronics systems can sound like with their >$100k TTs with $10k cartridges ETC!

    this is how we can measure the value of lesser components that perform valiantly. live jazz and classical are more ultimate comparisons yet we think nothing of going to those performances for the sheer enjoyment of it.

    i love it when RH or JA do an evaluation on a component or system and describe EXACTLY its sound qualities. i also love it when a component i have brought home reflects the music in such a way that makes you glad you bought it.

    on another track, i can recommend to my more moneyed friends the sort of components they might audition and then have them recite how grateful they are that i sent them to hear said articles.
    ...regards...tr

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