What speakers would you look at in the $12-14K range?

[mauidan]

Lee,

Here's another one to check out:

http://www.pureaudioproject.com/product/trio10-mundorf-amt-open-baffle-speakers/

 

[DaveC]

No offense, but I don't really believe that. Give me an example of a speaker that is sold through normal distribution channels that work that way.

I could give you lots of examples but I'm not going to because the information is private. Lets just say many of them. I can assure you it's common.

Folsom told me recently that the Asian market demands these kinds of dealer markups, probably because of cultural differences nobody is willing to pay anywhere near retail so a false MSRP is put up, lots of stuff like that still in the Western world... ever go mattress shopping? Every place you go has their stuff on sale for 50-60% off and they all have the same prices.

So I'd say part of it is pricing games and part of it is competition among manufacturers, many of whom are willing to let dealers make the lions share of the profits so they can simply stay in business. There's a lot of manufacturers who are just holding on, making enough but just getting by.

 

[Folsom]

Folsom told me recently that the Asian market demands these kinds of dealer markups, probably because of cultural differences nobody is willing to pay anywhere near retail so a false MSRP is put up, lots of stuff like that still in the Western world... ever go mattress shopping? Every place you go has their stuff on sale for 50-60% off and they all have the same prices.

Asian markets demand a lot due to shipping. I can't speak for the deals they give in store, but the amount dealers want to pay is significantly less than what distributors in the states ask to buy at. Someone who's big in the US isn't necessarily big enough to sell there; it depends more on the business model. I suspect the shipping claim is somewhat of a ruse, but it doesn't change the fact.

 

[Alpinist]

Right, lets turn buying speakers into an experience much like buying cars...

Not sure what to think, except maybe it's mandatory for Asian markets as everyone expects a discount and nobody will pay full retail so you have this retail price nobody ever pays.

Dave,

You are correct, the MSRP is meaningless in this case.

Ken

 

[Whatmore]

Asian markets demand a lot due to shipping. I can't speak for the deals they give in store, but the amount dealers want to pay is significantly less than what distributors in the states ask to buy at. Someone who's big in the US isn't necessarily big enough to sell there; it depends more on the business model. I suspect the shipping claim is somewhat of a ruse, but it doesn't change the fact.

Even for speakers made in China, it seems

 

[Audio_Karma]

The all new Yamaha NS-5000's will be on the market late July 2016!:b