I've been there (used to own the OG Abyss for about a year, know Stealth, Utopia etc. quite well) and, to me, its just not worth it. And this is definitely not about funding such purchases. Obviously others hold these and other expensive models in high esteem, and I'm the last one to tell anybody how to spend their money.
Long story short: perfection is unattainable.
I agree 100% with your summation. Technical improvements have led us to more and better performance choices at the lower cost end of the spectrum. The enthusiast with a limited budget has a number of very respectable headphones joining the the ever present Grado SR-60 series at below $100. Amps that sound good also in that range of cost have also become a real attraction and obvious value.
off I can then make a more informed decision whether it is worth it to me.
I have been on the ZMF site several times and they do display in Canadian dollars for me. At which time I always run away like a scared child when I see the prices and then add tax.
Sorry to hear that.I have been on the ZMF site several times and they do display in Canadian dollars for me. At which time I always run away like a scared child when I see the prices and then add tax.
Way too rich for me.
I truly believe that many expensive items come down to a final decision of where to price it and is often not a case of cost of R & D and parts. Maybe the bottom line would allow them to sell with good profit for let’s say $2000. They may then decide to raise that number to $3 to $4k to have people think that is more special and unique. Plenty of examples of that happening and it is a real turn off. Since such a manufacturer will never reveal that (of course) the only real barometer is what you think if you get to hear it for yourself. At last week’s CanJam I listened for a second time to a phone with the sick retail of $15,000. The model certainly was built with skill and care but the sound with music I knew would “MAYBE” equate to a $2000 to $2500 competitors model. A Perfect example of what I suspect is the case. BTW, with the fine detail work of its build in my humble opinion the look was absolutely a turn-off and looks quite ugly to my eye.I've been there (used to own the OG Abyss for about a year, know Stealth, Utopia etc. quite well) and, to me, its just not worth it. And this is definitely not about funding such purchases. Obviously others hold these and other expensive models in high esteem, and I'm the last one to tell anybody how to spend their money.
Having those very expensive models may in some cases OK as technology advances through these models, and ultimately trickles down. Thats just fine. But in many cases I cannot shed the feeling that prices are just made out of thin air because *someone* is willing to pay ever more.
After my personal experience with those expensive headphones I limited myself to ca. 1,5K€. Sometimes I ignore that limit, bending it a bit, but most of the time I'm just happier with what I find around 1k. I don't want to miss my Composer, I'm quite happy with my PS2000e, I like my E3 -- though I sometimes think about selling it. On the other hand I do want to have at least one high end closed back available for when my family objects to my music at times when there's no separate room available
Long story short: perfection is somewhat boring. Which nicely makes the case for the mid range Grado models I think.
It also depends on whose $4000
just in case you fail to resist.
Retrospective wisdom is an exact science
You wouldn't have known, hadn't you been there.....
I was thinking along the same lines, when listing tonight with my HF3 - pretty nice sound although a tad on the bright side
The really bad thing is that sometimes a higher price tag lends a product more credibility... and many self proclaimed reviewers and publications further this mislead perception.I truly believe that many expensive items come down to a final decision of where to price it and is often not a case of cost of R & D and parts. Maybe the bottom line would allow them to sell with good profit for let’s say $2000. They may then decide to raise that number to $3 to $4k to have people think that is more special and unique. Plenty of examples of that happening and it is a real turn off. Since such a manufacturer will never reveal that (of course) the only real barometer is what you think if you get to hear it for yourself. At last week’s CanJam I listened for a second time to a phone with the sick retail of $15,000. The model certainly was built with skill and care but the sound with music I knew would “MAYBE” equate to a $2000 to $2500 competitors model. A Perfect example of what I suspect is the case. BTW, with the fine detail work of its build in my humble opinion the look was absolutely a turn-off and looks quite ugly to my eye.
Just some mutterings from my end.
Yes, perfection is obviously a far away and unreachable target.
I have gone through a Ton of headphones.Retrospective wisdom is an exact science
You Strong like Bull……I have gone through a Ton of headphones.
