This is why the upgrade is optional! The stock Mira mk2 of the regular edition is non-negotiable as that is the minimum experience with STORM that satisfies our vision, but due to the collaborative relationship of the Subtonic and Nightjar, it is very heavily internally subsidised by both boutiques, as are the upgrades, as we want to encourage people to maximize their experience with STORM.
For Subtonic, we do not price in discount margins. In fact, our margin structure is so lean that our current retailers are actually kindly accepting a lower than market rate margins just because they believe in our vision. It's not that we won't give discounts, but we simply can't. It's quite a suicidal business model, to be perfectly honest; it makes us less price competitive relative to brands with larger dealer margins that can afford constant discounts from RRP via their dealer, and it also limits our cashflow generation options as we can't generate hype sales from holiday discounts. But it is our philosophy that when you purchase a product of this stature, we should not insult you by making you subsidise discounts for others or pay for large middleman cuts that don't contribute the product itself.
Designing for longevity and sustained relevance also means that we can't rely on small retunes and rapid release cycles to generate revenue. We very much want to go against the current trend of fast fashion, hype marketing and the sense disposability that comes with it. We're simply doing what we believe in and hoping that there are enough people out there who can appreciate our values for us to survive. We've put in so much effort into creating STORM that if STORM is ever devalued, it will not be by our own hand. Mindless consumption is something we actively discourage, and I think quite a few clients can attest to the fact that we've actively dissuaded their purchases so they can wait until the opportunity to demo to be sure they really want the STORM.
The complexity of the manufacturing process. The choice to use top-of-the-line components, even in areas that are more esoteric and hard to market, like crossover components. The belief in compensating all our vendors, suppliers, retailers, and partners as fairly as possible. The engineering design that is an order of magnitude more complex than anything else currently out there to ensure ultimate performance, and to make STORM as future-proof as possible. These collectively result in a higher cost base. But also in a product that goes above and beyond in all aspects. Our prices are high, but we can confidently say that you absolutely get what you pay for, and are simultaneously supporting a collective of other like-minded and passionate industry partners.
STORM is admittedly inaccessible, but it is our statement as to the heights that are possible with enough work and passion. We are working on taking what we have learnt through developing STORM to release future creations that are more accessible, yet retain the same uncompromising values and insistence on quality. We are extremely grateful for all the support and love we have received thus far, and to those who've taken the time to experience STORM and appreciate what we were going for even though it wasn't your usual preferred sound signature. We don't take the warm welcome and the open mindedness all of you have graced us with lightly, and we will continue to strive to take your listening experience to the next level!
Of course, not sure if anybody is paying the full retail price nowadays, but still... I guess this makes N30LE + UM AP a bargain for $12.9k
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