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RE: price and value.. Two different things..

Posted by DaveT (A) on September 25, 2016 at 06:39:59

In Reply to: price and value.. Two different things.. posted by Smelly_Socks on September 24, 2016 at 12:21:46:

SmellySsocks,

I think I get your point. You have a set of internal values whether; it be brand name or material cost; that inspires you to make a purchase. You are entitled to your values, but to belittle someone for exercising a choice contrary to "your internal" values is comes off as rather pious.

I agree with you regarding what I view as snake oil. However, I don't tend to lambast those that do not share my "internal" values. Seldom, if ever, do I purchase components on brand name alone. The only exception I make is in TVs, I compare everything to the picture of a Sony, but I digress.

After reading your response, I thought about the time and effort I put into building one of my experimental power cords. I started with THNN cable. I stripped the insulation off and then wrapped each cable in two layers of Teflon plumbers tape. I stripped the copper sheathing off a Belden coax cable. The Teflon clad THNN was then inserted into the stripped copper sheathing. This sheathed cable was wrapped with another layer of Teflon tape. I then braided 3 of these assemblies together and held the braid together with a few plastic zip ties. I terminated this braided cable assembly with a Hubbell male plug on one end female spade connectors on the other end.

Now, material cost at the time was probably $25. The bulk of that cost would be in the Hubbell plug. My employer at the time charged clients $225 an hour for my time. I estimate it took me maybe 16-hours of labor to complete the cable. So, if I had been in the business to sell this cable my employer would have marketed the cable for $4,000 dollars per cable. The extra $400 would be for research, inspiration, material gathering, and marketing.

So, I would presume you would say the above cable was a rip off because $25 worth of parts would be selling for $4,000. Take into account my employer would have to provide another employee to replace me at $3,600 while I assembled cables. The intangibles of research, inspiration, perspiration, material gathering, and marketing are not reflected in the $25 cost of materials.

Most likely you would poo-poo the above cable based on cost of material and my lack of brand name recognition. However, if my employer at the time (a major defense contractor) marketed the cable it probably would be applauded by the audio press as a testament to viability of hi-end audio, because the defense/space industry had ventured into the market bringing there eons of years of .....expertise.

There may well be any number of persons who would buy the cable and praise it to the heavens just because of brand name. Marketing wise phrases like: materials developed for the space race (Teflon); based on experience copper that has been extruded for the demands of outer space; etc.

So, if the name was Davet's Diamond Dynamic cable be a rip-off? Or if cable developed for the most rigorous demands of space and the defense industry sold by the likes of General Dynamics, Lockheed-Martin, Boeing, or Raytheon make it worth price?

I built the above cable as a labor of love for this hobby with no thoughts of renumeration. My internal value is based on how it sounds. I don't know Ric nor have a used or heard his power cord. There seems to be room enough for Rics or Davets in this hobby. I, personally, don't equate price with quality in all instances.

I am curious what you assessment of the above?

DaveT

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Herbie's Audio Lab

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