Just checked on the USD to AUD currency exchange rate, it's sitting at $1.47 that's really good! Perhaps now is the time to upgrade on a few toys... don't know for how long that rate is going to hold.
I've never seen it at this low for ages! Must be a miracle. The only issue with this formula is that most dealers already purchased items from their importers at the much higher exchange rate, so in which case they're not going to sell below cost with no margin. What's the point in that? After all they're running a business. Direct importers are also hit pretty hard, so this is where dealer margins need to be negotiated in order for both parties to benefit. Otherwise, this will end up a fruit salad.
We'll see how it goes. As far as the real highend is concerned, it's a very very tiny market segment that can afford such gear. Hence, the brand new high end category is a waste of inventory, might as well stock with either entry to mid level gear, not highend.
Just as an example, Conrad Johnston's top of the line preamp, ART88, has a price tag of close to 50grand down unda. Only ONE unit was ordered in Aus for around 48grand. Not a single has been ordered since. However, CJ has run out of production, since the ART88 is a limited edition unit. CJ announced they will commence the second batch of the ART88 in May and that may be the end of production, who knows because only 250 units were being produced. The majority of orders are not from the US nor any Western countries, rather the far East. Already batch one is sold out... if the far east is really picking up, I'm wondering whether CJ may increase LE production to more than 250 units. Goes to show where the excess of disposable income really is.
Didn't get a chance to head out to Spore this Feb, rather the wifey & kiddo headed out to London & Paris. I'll head out in July instead, by then I'll get a chance to assess these top level gear, and make a decision. No point in engaging in such spend without auditioning, that's foolish.
Until then, enjoy those fine tunes!
Woof! RJ
mmm... because "normal" wifey's simply won't allow such exhorbitant spend. Well, at least mine won't, no way Charlie! I'd be in the dog house without a bone.
