Hard not to agree, unless it is the R10, Sony headphones do drop value rather quickly. Why that is the case I don't know. I really liked the MDR 1A, and the Z7. I didn't think the Z7 was as good at the lower frequencies as many here seem to think, but that is of course subjective. I had an absolute mint, maybe 3 months old 1A for sale here at $140 for about two months with no interest. I sold my Z7, again mint and very new for $440 Canadian. So based on what I see in the for sale forums here and elsewhere, as well as from first hand experience, I have to agree.
Perhaps this will be the one that breaks the trend and holds it value? I hope so as I do like Sony and it is great for the hobby that big players keep trying to innovate and be in this space.
There are more exceptions besides the R10. I paid 500 for my MDR-CD3000 in 2000 and sixteen years later, got multiple offers (3+) in the 1300 range. I can see fully working units hitting 1500 in the near future. That's +300%.
The Sony lemons might drop quickly, but when they manage to do something good, it can end with high demand/high prices, especially because sometimes the product lifecycle is really short and they discontinue stuff way early.
I have the feeling the MDR-Z1R has potential, but until I hear it, that's worth absolutely nothing. I would not have pre-ordered it if I couldn't return it.
When did this thread become a pricing debate? What you do with your hard-earned money is your own business. Some people will buy expensive headphones, some will not. Everyone will have their own opinions on this matter. That’s just how it is. Deal with it.
If you think these headphones are overpriced, don’t buy them. Simple as that. This same exact topic was brought up when the HD800S were first announced with their pricing…
Interesting point, I somewhat agree.
We can still discuss value in the sense of what you get per each peanut spent, but knowing if a minute improvement here or there is worth the extra peanuts will depend on the buyer's preferences.
I find 2K EUR a disturbing amount to pay for any headphones, but that's mostly due to my profile, especially how often I use cans. The only reason I even consider this purchase is because I'm fine having just a single set of good headphones, and if I like it, I'll probably keep it for a long time (like I did with the MDR-CD3000).
2K for sixteen years of frequent enjoyment sounds a bit less painful. I have a harder time spending on products that are more vulnerable to obsolescence, for instance, a good TV or a good computer. Headphones are a very mature product that in some cases age well.
Some people prefer to have multiple models, and in that case I understand how you have to be even more picky when it comes to value for money.
The problem is if they're not good enough. That remains to be seen....uh, heard. I have to admit that those shenanigans with a half a kilogram gold player are not a good sign.
So for the Focal stuff has received glowing reviews, regardless of the cost. It even has people saying that the $4K spent on it might even be worth it.
Sony on the other hand has not really done anything groundbreaking lately and is charging a crapload of money for this new headphone. We are just going to have to wait until the headphones are more readily available and there are more impressions from people that can be trusted. All these CNET reviews mean squat to me.
I'm very curious with all this Focal hype and would like to check them out. Although we're talking of something costing twice as much and hitting prices that are considerably above average (I see the HD800S retailing for 1598e here, which isn't a huge distance to 2000e, especially if you take into account that a dedicated amp is essential, adding a minimum of 250 or so if you get something used or cheap.
So for this other fairly popular model, 1850e before you even start listening. A 150 eur gap, which you can even try to justify with the much nicer leather storage case.
(assuming that thing is not PU)
But 4000 on the other hand... They have to be epically good in both sound and materials/construction for me to even think about thinking about it. Maybe they are, I don't know.
As for the Sony, at the moment there is no info, but it will be interesting to see comparisons with similarly priced models.
