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In the Forum: Audio Discussions
In the Thread: Prices in High-End Audio.

Post Subject: Complete systemsPosted by steverino on: 1/23/2014

Well, Oppo, Emotiva and Gallo to name a few have provided components within the reach of many more people without being dirt cheap admittedly. I think the real problem is the disappearance of the complete system. I visit a few other music forums from time and a recurring complaint/question is "what component X will work in my system?" I go back to the example of cars. If people had to assemble their car from a series of component parts at the dealer there would be rampant confusion and unhappiness. Unfortunately there aren't manufacturers who can assemble an integrated system and sell it as such for a moderate price. The hifi industry has become more and more specialized and few companies can make source components, amplifiers and speakers and fit them together so they are optimized. This model would only have to work at the bottom end of the market but in describing this, it seems obvious that only bigger companies have the muscle to be able to assemble and market such things these days. However, as with Sony you either get throwaway or you get "entry-level" hifi that starts at $1000 a component. I will say though that the just issued Sony HAP-S1 is a step in the right direction as an integrated file player, preamp and amp for a list of $1000.

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