Agreed, my perspective may be slanted by my background. First, I work in an industry where we have to defend our pricing constantly, though unlike my industry, headphones aren’t life and death. The other is more relevant, though perhaps no more valid to you. I’ve been an audiophile (more or less) since the early 80’s. I’ve watched the 2 channel world price itself out of existence, I used to go to the CES begging during that time period, most of the attendees were young, like myself. I quit going in 98, one thing I noticed at that point, and from what I hear from Friends who still attend it and the other major show, all the attendees are As old as we are. The two channel is all old men (like me), the vigor and youth is at the headphone sections or shows.
I really began focusing on headphones around 2004, and I’m seeing the same trend in this segment, again this isn’t a life or death industry, so people can choose to spend their money anyway they want too. Plus, it’s entirely an opinion when I think HiFiMan is incapable of producing a product that deserves a $6k price. Their QC, and level of production level of quality isn’t even close. Though in the end the market will take care of itself, if a company can make it selling 10 $60k units a year, go for it, I’ve read several reports that Sennheiser is having significant reorganization and layoffs. Once again, in my opinion, Focal headphone strategy of listening to consumers and dealers, and launching an improved product at a reasonable price point is brilliant.
