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Quote from: oneinthepipe on 4 Mar 2009, 02:40 amWhile other speakers receive more exposure, I don't necessarily think that 10K is a cut-off point for factory-direct sales. If Jim's speakers were sold through a brick-and-mortar network, a 10K speaker would easily be a 20K speaker. Maybe Jim would sell more HT4 speakers through a brick-and-mortar network at twice or more of the factory-direct price, but I guarantee that he will sell more than "a couple of these," as jermmd suggested. I think that there are some Salk customers, and others, biting at the bit for these speakers.I think Jim will absolutely get some existing customers to upgrade (heck, down the road I could be one of them!). Of course, they already know first hand the quality, performance, etc... of what Jim produces.Getting new customers will be the challenge.Talking to many of my friends who own speakers that list for $10k or more, almost all of them have told me that they would not spend that amount on new, large, factory direct speakers.Again, I want to stress that I hope I am wrong and that Jim is wildly successful.George
While other speakers receive more exposure, I don't necessarily think that 10K is a cut-off point for factory-direct sales. If Jim's speakers were sold through a brick-and-mortar network, a 10K speaker would easily be a 20K speaker. Maybe Jim would sell more HT4 speakers through a brick-and-mortar network at twice or more of the factory-direct price, but I guarantee that he will sell more than "a couple of these," as jermmd suggested. I think that there are some Salk customers, and others, biting at the bit for these speakers.
Quote from: zybar on 4 Mar 2009, 02:46 amQuote from: oneinthepipe on 4 Mar 2009, 02:40 amWhile other speakers receive more exposure, I don't necessarily think that 10K is a cut-off point for factory-direct sales. If Jim's speakers were sold through a brick-and-mortar network, a 10K speaker would easily be a 20K speaker. Maybe Jim would sell more HT4 speakers through a brick-and-mortar network at twice or more of the factory-direct price, but I guarantee that he will sell more than "a couple of these," as jermmd suggested. I think that there are some Salk customers, and others, biting at the bit for these speakers.I think Jim will absolutely get some existing customers to upgrade (heck, down the road I could be one of them!). Of course, they already know first hand the quality, performance, etc... of what Jim produces.Getting new customers will be the challenge.Talking to many of my friends who own speakers that list for $10k or more, almost all of them have told me that they would not spend that amount on new, large, factory direct speakers.Again, I want to stress that I hope I am wrong and that Jim is wildly successful.George I think that Salk owners, past and present, unequivocally expect the HT4 to be extraordinary speakers. Hopefully, the HT4 will receive many accolades, and sales will be good. Personally, if I were in the market for 10K or 15K or 20K speakers that were only sold factory-direct, and there weren't any opportunities to audition the speakers locally, I would fly (i.e., take a plane) to the factory. Unfortunately, that precludes the ability to audition the speakers in one's home.I had not heard the ST RT before I bought them, although they didn't cost 10K plus, but I liked them so much that I ordered a pair of HT2 TL.George, when you get your HT4, can I drive down from Newton to have a listen?
Why wait...you are welcome to come visit now. Are you located in Newton, MA? If so, you are extremely close to me.You can hear the 5A's in my 2 channel setup and a Salk HT setup with (5) Song Towers.George
However, I am not sure how many pairs of a $10k+ speaker ANY an internet direct company can sell. Generally speaking, people who have the means and are willing to spend this much on speakers won't buy internet direct. They want to see, touch, and hear the speakers before making a purchase at this price point. You also have to take into account that many people will only purchase from the well established and known brands when spending this much or more. In my experience, it isn't just about performance and value when you get up to $10k or beyond...name recognition, reviews in established magazines, as well as being represented by established brick and mortar dealers are the major contributing factors in the buying process.Just my thoughts...George
Talk of price points is probably premature given that Jim hasn't even heard this thing yet, and no one has seen one. But also bear in mind that there are reasons for developing a flagship model even if you don't end up selling a bunch of them. If it turns out to be a definite forward step, it will bring a good bit of publicity to the whole Salk line. And it's a lot of fun, assuming you at least break even.
Dennis, I'm sure this has been mentioned somewhere in here, but could you tell me the number and size of drivers that will be in the HT4? I, for one, will be looking to trade up my HT3 for a pair of these. Or, trade my HT1s and use my HT3s as my sorrounds!!! OMG:)
He may take a listen and say that it really doesn't sound any better than an HT3 from 28 Hz up, and figure he should just make a larger version of the HT3 and be done with it.
This potential speaker design will represent a new milestone in performance for us. If we sell one pair, or many pairs is not really something I am going to worry about. I will have the speaker I want. If others want it, fine. If not, that is fine too. If the design meets our expectations, we will be very proud of our accomplishments regardless of how many we eventually sell.
