[johnwoitalla]

What might the msrp be of GR Research designs(with all of the exact same parts that come with a complete kit) if they were only available as finished speakers? I know this is a loaded question because of all of the variables, but I was wondering how much Danny's speakers would cost with all of the high quality parts that he puts into his kits? For example, I bought the NX-Studios(because of the glowing reports coming from their owners) as completed speakers for about $3k because I'm not much of a handyman, it was worth the extra $ to have somebody put them together correctly than for me to buy tools that I would likely only use once in a blue moon. If the Studios were offered by a company wanting to make a profit, about how much would they cost? When Danny takes apart many of the higher priced speakers sent to him, there are lots of lower quality parts used, how much would it cost the manufacturers of those speakers to beef up their builds with better cabinets, crossover parts, etc. It seems that most speaker companies put the biggest part of their budget into the exterior finish of the speakers.

[Tyson]

IME, high end has a 10x markup.  So do 10x parts cost. 

[Cut-Throat]

As you found out, GR Research offers completed speakers....... "GR-Research and Denton Woodworkers are pleased to announce we are now making assembled speakers that are ready to play." And the answer was around $3 Grand for your model.

I'm sure the people involved are making a profit. And I'm sure different companies make different profits. So, I'm a bit confused on what you're actually asking.

If Audio Note were making the speakers you bought, they'd probably go for around $60 Grand a pair.

[johnwoitalla]

As you found out, GR Research offers completed speakers....... "GR-Research and Denton Woodworkers are pleased to announce we are now making assembled speakers that are ready to play." And the answer was around $3 Grand for your model.

I'm sure the people involved are making a profit. And I'm sure different companies make different profits. So, I'm a bit confused on what you're actually asking.

I doubt, that with all of the same parts and boxes, that a company such as ATC, JBL, Advent, etc could build and market the NX-Studios and make a profit for $3k. What would they have to charge for them if they made them for the mass market in order to come out in the black? The people who put my speakers together don't have to pay CEO's and other advertisers and worry about labor unions and deal with governmental bureaucracy and who knows what else.

[Cut-Throat]

I doubt, that with all of the same parts and boxes, that a company such as ATC, JBL, Advent, etc could build and market the NX-Studios and make a profit for $3k. What would they have to charge for them if they made them for the mass market in order to come out in the black? The people who put my speakers together don't have to pay CEO's and other advertisers and worry about labor unions and deal with governmental bureaucracy and who knows what else.

There are plenty of Speaker Manufacturers out there, that are fairly small time. And don't have the overhead of larger companies. And some have a 'Brand Name' and make exorbitant profits. So, your question is almost impossible to answer. I've recently acquired a pair of the following, just because they were so inexpensive ($250 on sale). I'm shocked that they can sell these at that price. The Rosewood Veneer is simply gorgeous as well. But there is only a handful of people at the company.

https://www.stereotimes.com/post/vanguard-scout-monitors-the-299-pr-miracle-mini-monitor-by-greg-voth/

[aaron smithski]

There are plenty of Speaker Manufacturers out there, that are fairly small time. And don't have the overhead of larger companies. And some have a 'Brand Name' and make exorbitant profits. So, your question is almost impossible to answer. I've recently acquired a pair of the following, just because they were so inexpensive ($250 on sale). I'm shocked that they can sell these at that price. The Rosewood Veneer is simply gorgeous as well. But there is only a handful of people at the company.

https://www.stereotimes.com/post/vanguard-scout-monitors-the-299-pr-miracle-mini-monitor-by-greg-voth/

This is Mark Schifter's new company (founder of AV123 if you are unaware; Danny designed many of their products). He had a knack for bringing desirable products to market at bargain prices.

[Cut-Throat]

This is Mark Schifter's new company (founder of AV123 if you are unaware; Danny designed many of their products). He had a knack for bringing desirable products to market at bargain prices.

I have e-mailed him a number of times over the last year, and he has been very helpful.

I did not know his history however. I stumbled on these speakers when I was helping a non audiophile friend with some external speakers for his TV and background music. He ended up with the WiiM Amp and a Pair of Verifi Audio Scouts. It sounded so good that he bought another system like it for his winter place.  I thought the speakers sounded so good, I bought a pair also when they went on sale. (I didn't need them, but that didn't stop me).... My Friend also bought the Caldera Sub Woofer for his winter place as he watches a lot of Movies there. Also a Screaming bargain!

[KTS]

That is a very hard question due to (as you mentioned) lots of variables. I believe the thought behind the NX series is a cost no object design. With that being said and my experience with building and listening to NX Studios properly set up, I have not heard anything equivalent. Full disclaimer, I have listened some high end speakers set up for demos, but in no way would I consider it a lot. Someone with experience like Tyson or others would be able to make comparisons from a price vs performance standpoint. From a major manufacturer standpoint, I do not believe that a name brand manufacturer would build GR Research speakers as designed because they would not be able keep their margin without pricing outside of the majority of the buying public. This why “in my opinion” the team at GR Research is truly introducing not just value, but the ability for most anyone to experience sound quality that is beyond most people’s budget, at least mine for sure.

[jmimac351]

I doubt, that with all of the same parts and boxes, that a company such as ATC, JBL, Advent, etc could build and market the NX-Studios and make a profit for $3k. What would they have to charge for them if they made them for the mass market in order to come out in the black? The people who put my speakers together don't have to pay CEO's and other advertisers and worry about labor unions and deal with governmental bureaucracy and who knows what else.

There is no single answer to your question, because the price will vary depending on who is selling it. 

Ever shop for brake rotors?  "The Porsche Tax". 

"What something will cost" isn't just about parts and margin... it is about "Whatever the market will bear."

Nordost Cable company may be able to explain this better than I can.

[Early B.]

The best answer is the one Tyson provided.

Let's say a product retails for $10. One dollar is the cost of the raw materials, and $1 is profit. The remaining $8 covers everything else -- labor, marketing, distribution, sales, facility costs, inventory, shipping and packaging, taxes, operating costs, loan repayments, etc. 

[Danny Richie]

If we offered the fully assembled models in house then the cost would be much higher as it adds a lot of overhead cost.

The guys building those cabinets and building out the crossovers are working for themselves. One of them owns the small company making cabinets and another guy builds all of our cables, assembles crossovers, and assembles speakers. They work from their own spaces and a rented warehouse. They are young, just getting started, and getting their feet wet working for themselves.

Expect to see some 2025 increase in cabinet costs and fully assembled speakers.

If sold through typical dealers and marketed with an advertising campaign these would be a lot more expensive in a hurry.

FYI, I make the same on them as if I sold a kit. 

[BrandonB]

I think much of the cool factor is being able to take a base kit that is excellent and make it your own.  You can build your own cabinet with the exotic wood and paint it however you like etc.  You can hot rod the crossover with exotic parts that only the highest price speakers have and it cost  a fraction of the price. 

[czechm8]

That's exactly the reason I have been building speakers for years.  I love the satisfaction of creating something myself!