Vince,
I will build only the Soraya power amp for retail sale. This is 100W/8R, and 200W/4R. Lifeforce power modules, one step down but same power and a smaller, of 55W/8R, are available at lower price (see Pricelist on the website), but you need transformers and cases, and you need to do the necessary metal work, which is an inconvenience to many.
It is very difficult for me to convey how good the amp is without listening tests, available specs, etc. I am primarily a nerd, not much of a businessman, but I can't survive on $5 an hour, and since Oz is even more expensive to live than US, the higher price is the predictable result.
While I can understand potential buyers balking at the price, I have to point out that this amp performs like no other and drives just about anything with aplomb. This is all very subjective, and difficult to quantify of course. I cannot compete in the cheaper end of the market for simple economic reasons, but consider that this new amp uses circuitry which is unique and which has taken years to evolve. The amp will compete with just about anything out there, including the really expensive high end amps, you know the names!
When I sold kits, I was at first cheap. Time spent in service was, as you would realise, unbillable. As time went by, my account slowly depleted, so I raised my prices, always the way. Now in late middle age I know I have something incredible to sell, and my products, even the most expensive, are still half the price of some ridiculous cables I have seen.
It's a strange world, and be assured I would love to welcome you to the Aspen family, but it ain't cheap, although it's still inexpensive!!
Cheers,
Hugh
