Why are Amplifiers So Expensive?

[conceptM]

True, a resistor doesn't cost much, but a resistor with a very small variation will cost loads more. An end product using the same design will certainly do the job with both ranges, but there will be some variation in power, sound, durability, ...

Sony had good amplifiers: the ES range...

[AA98hoe]

For us oldschool guys I remember paying $3dollars a watt.... I say some amps are a lil beter an cost more look at phoenix gold they use gold on there trace etc...and I know dc 12ks have new super fets that are expensive plus the driverboards etc

[HHR Ed]

It's not just the name like stated before, And it's not just a simple component swap like stated before.

One factor is production numbers as stated before. It will cost much more per amp to produce 20 amps than it will to produce 2,000.

But also, thats only comparing similar amps.

For a huge price jump, like going from a $400 amp to a $1000+ amp of the same power range, you have an entirely different design with an entirely different set of components, standards, production numbers, and quality.

Take Helix or Audison for example, Their components are not simply beefier versions of what is in cheaper amps, they actually use different types of components, all within a 1% tolerance whereas cheap amps can have a 10-20% tolerance.

And instead of basic PCB and standard jumpers, they take the time to engineer the board layout and connections for the least amount of loss possible.

They use pure copper and gold plating in their connections.

They also utilize control devices to perfectly match and filter input signal. These amps have a great damping factor (ability to control speaker) And a very high signal to noise ratio that you cannot find in cheaper amps.

What you pay for is not the name, or higher quality components, what you pay for is the engineering time and attention to detail in production and QC that went into each amp. To ensure its quality and reliability as well as its ability to achieve the purest sound possible.

Now non of that matters if you just wanna go "Wang" on some woofers and make them "Hit"

[irpirate]

Now non of that matters if you just wanna go "Wang" on some woofers and make them "Hit"

Lmao. I <3 Ed

[Omega5002]

phhhh...if you think Car Amplifiers are expensive, you should look at Home audio Amplifiers, some of them cost more than cars.

But in general, they are pricey cause of good parts, and build quality.

[PropertyCO]

As i view it, when you pay high price for a new product, you also have to pay for the research required in making that product, and as the technology gets older, price goes down.

So i'd say, high price for some amps (rf amps for example) could be due to the new technology in them.

[JWBryant]

Hmmm... I see now. It all makes good sense.

[conceptM]

Nicely said Ed! That last tag under your name seems correct

That's why some brands even have different product lines producing same output figures at quite some differring prices.

[Sean Sinha]

Also, larger companies like Pioneer can afford to produce things in mass quantity and for cheaper, thus them being able to sell product for cheaper. Smaller companies have to charge more because it costs them more to manufacture.

[Ddub847]

Also, larger companies like Pioneer can afford to produce things in mass quantity and for cheaper, thus them being able to sell product for cheaper. Smaller companies have to charge more because it costs them more to manufacture.

I giggled a little