In article , Iain Churches
wrote:

"Jim Lesurf" wrote in message
...

I don't read hi-fi reviews, but listen carefully to what dealers tell
me. They are not trying to sell me anything, but they do have their
finger on the pulse, and know precisely what products are in demand.
The fact that in Stockholm one can buy a Krell at -30% while there is
a longish waiting list for Conrad Johnson, speaks volumes.

You seem to keep assuming pricing and markup practices indicate
quality. Are you not aware that both makers and dealers will have
varying practices in these matters? All part of the ways they try to
compete and promote sales of their products.


Jim. It is a lot simpler than that. The Krells on offer from stock at
-30% are SS amplifiers. The CJs (at list price with a waiting period)
are valve models. Both have a 40% mark-up.

You don't say the actual prices or mark up as cash amounts. However I did
understand the above, but it does not change the points I was making.

I asked, "why would a dealer be willing to forgo the larger part of his
profit to move the Krells?" The answer is that this segment of the
market is becoming increasingly dominated by valve equipment.

IIUC you are saying that you asked why they don't try to sell the Krells
which would put less into their pockets, and that is the answer they gave.
Is that correct?

I am aware that what is happening locally, may not be representative of
the situation elsewhere. But despite the temptation to take home a high
end SS bargain, people are happy to wait for their valve amp:-)

I am sure that some of the people who visit 'high end' dealers do. Although
that may "speak volumes" as you phrased it about the attitudes of those who
go to 'high end' dealers, I can't see that it says a lot about either
Krell, or CJ, or the attitudes of those who find they can buy equipment and
enjoy music without visiting a 'high end' dealer. It seems to me that you
are making a comment about the attitudes of a self-selected grouping which
they perhaps had *before* they went into the shop - thus prompting their
decision to go to such a dealer in the first place.

Indeed, in such cases being told, "You can have A now, but you have
to wait for B as there is *so* much demand for them from people who
decided to wait rather than have A", might have some effect, I
suppose. Can't do any harm to let people think they are getting
something 'rare' and 'exclusive' and 'people think is worth
'waiting for'. More of a trophy to show off to your peers. :-)

I also wonder: Do the customers have to pay when they order? Thus
getting the cash into the dealer's bank account whilst they wait?
If so, it probably looks good to his bank manager and accountant.
:-)

Slainte,

Jim

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