[Radio_head]

I would be surprised if the markup was that low - I don't know otherwise in this case, but most high end electronics out there makes a minimum of 100% profit out the gate before it even gets to distributors, who usually tack on at least another 60% or so (which is arranged with the manufacturer as being MSRP).  And those are the "good deals."
 
Then again, Stax has been in/near bankruptcy so many times that perhaps they actually have some insanely low markup compared to costs/R&D.

 

[Magick Man]

I would be surprised if the markup was that low - I don't know otherwise in this case, but most high end electronics out there makes a minimum of 100% profit out the gate before it even gets to distributors, who usually tack on at least another 60% or so (which is arranged with the manufacturer as being MSRP).  And those are the "good deals."

Then again, Stax has been in/near bankruptcy so many times that perhaps they actually have some insanely low markup compared to costs/R&D.

That's what I was thinking about. If they were making 100% profit they likely wouldn't be struggling to "keep the doors open" most of the time.

 

[spritzer]

Let's put it this way, hold a SR-007Mk2 in one hand and a HD800 in the other.  Which is better built,has more advanced technology and requires more hand assembly?  If the currency situation was normal then they would be similarly priced... 

 

[Elysian]

Lol.  The HD800 feels like a cheap piece of plastic with flimsy pads compared to the SR007A.  I also prefer the rounded edges on the SR007 over the SR009.  I'm always worried about scratching or denting the SR009, and the SR007 just has a very sturdy, well-engineered feel to it.  It's still the most comfortable headphone I've ever worn with MK2 pads.

 

[musicman59]

Quote:

I would be surprised if the markup was that low - I don't know otherwise in this case, but most high end electronics out there makes a minimum of 100% profit out the gate before it even gets to distributors, who usually tack on at least another 60% or so (which is arranged with the manufacturer as being MSRP).  And those are the "good deals."
 
Then again, Stax has been in/near bankruptcy so many times that perhaps they actually have some insanely low markup compared to costs/R&D.

I agree with on what you are stating for most of elecronics but in the case of the SR-009 I know the retailers markup is just 20%.

 

[forbigger]

20% is also quite a lot looking at the $ terms. from what i know, a lot of retailers did not actually stock 009. they only take from distributor when there's a demand. as many as we can see people here using 009, in reality most people would fainted if you told them you owned $5k headphone that you cannot plug to ipod.

 

[BoogieWoogie]

Quote:

Lol.  The HD800 feels like a cheap piece of plastic with flimsy pads compared to the SR007A.  I also prefer the rounded edges on the SR007 over the SR009.  I'm always worried about scratching or denting the SR009, and the SR007 just has a very sturdy, well-engineered feel to it.  It's still the most comfortable headphone I've ever worn with MK2 pads.

That's totally not true. From the photos it gives that impression but holding it in person is far from that.

 

[milosz]

How many pairs of SR-009's go you suppose has sold?  500?  1,000? 

 

[Golfnutz]

Quote:

I agree with on what you are stating for most of elecronics but in the case of the SR-009 I know the retailers markup is just 20%.

Price Japan has them just under $4K (not shipped), so 20% makes sense if you include shipping costs and anything else to the US.

 

[Elysian]

Quote:

That's totally not true. From the photos it gives that impression but holding it in person is far from that.

 
My impressions are based off of first-hand use, not photos.  I had an SR009 from extended loan from a friend for a month, have had the HD800 on loan, and own the SR007A.
 
I was extremely unimpressed by the build quality of the HD800.  The SR009 was ok but not my cup of tea.  It also didn't feel as sturdy as the SR007 to me, but maybe I was overly concerned about cosmetically damaging someone else's $5k headphones.  The SR009 edged sides seem like they would easily pick up scratches and dents over time.

 

[BoogieWoogie]

Quote:

 
My impressions are based off of first-hand use, not photos.  I had an SR009 from extended loan from a friend for a month, have had the HD800 on loan, and own the SR007A.
 
I was extremely unimpressed by the build quality of the HD800.  The SR009 was ok but not my cup of tea.  It also didn't feel as sturdy as the SR007 to me, but maybe I was overly concerned about cosmetically damaging someone else's $5k headphones.  The SR009 edged sides seem like they would easily pick up scratches and dents over time.

Then I would say you have a special hate for the HD800 and a secret love for the 007. The HD800 feels like a very well designed piece of engeering but the 009 suppressed it.

 

[Magick Man]

Then I would say you have a special hate for the HD800 and a secret love for the 007. The HD800 feels like a very well designed piece of engeering but the 009 suppressed it.

I wouldn't say that. I also feel the HD800 is bit flimsy compared to the O2 Mk1, but it's like comparing a baseball bat made out of wood to another made out of aluminum. They're both going to hold up quite well with sensible use.

 

[nattonrice]

In the hand the quality of the plastics on the hd800 seems good.
Doesn't stop it feeling a little cheap when side by side with other headphones made with more metallic materials.

 

[MrGreen]

Electrostats aren't really that hard to produce. So I'd say the markup is huge

 

[MuppetFace]

Oh. This ol' chestnut again.
 
That Stax, charging their 99% markup on the SR-009 they Macgyvered out of paperclips and gum wrappers.