That's not what he said. He was referring to extra effort to optimize the design.
At the risk of stating the obvious, we are here to reward results, not effort.
That is clear to me, and that is exactly what I meant.
However, the reality of development is that the first 95% accounts for 10% of the cost, while the final 5% accounts for 90%.
That is why the last 1–5% is often skimped on.
And to be honest, the amplifiers that measure exceptionally well tend to fall into just a few categories: those based on specific platforms (TPA325x, Purifi, Hypex) and those from a handful of highly specialized manufacturers (Benchmark, SONCOZ, manufacturers utilizing Hypex/Purifi modules, Topping, 3E Audio, SCIBER, etc.). Over the last few years, these entities have invested an unimaginable number of development hours and a massive amount of capital.
Given this level of highly specialized expertise, other manufacturers simply cannot keep up anymore.
In Emotiva's case, there is the additional factor that their products are not sold exclusively online; they are also distributed through numerous channels—including specialist retailers with brick-and-mortar stores and countless home theater providers worldwide. This necessitates a completely different pricing structure, which inevitably makes the devices more expensive.
However, you are, of course, right; ultimately, this is primarily about results—specifically objective measurements, power output, and functionality. The rest need not (and indeed should not) be of any concern to the end consumer.
An ALSOZONE / 3E Audio PAM258 falls within the same price range—or is perhaps even slightly cheaper—and would likely beat the Emotiva BasX A7+ decisively in every single respect.
As
@EeeGee has already mentioned, four Fosi V3 Stereo units would be a more affordable option.
4 x Fosi V3 Stereo units with 48V 10A power supplies = approx. €500.
4 x Fosi V3 Stereo units with 1 x 48V 10A supply and 3 x 5A supplies = approx. €390.
However, in terms of the best overall value—balancing price, measurements, and power output—for a 7- or 8-channel setup, this combination is likely the winner:
1 x 3E Audio A7 and 3 x Topping Mini 300 = €680.
And that is precisely why ASR—with its independent testing—is so vital; otherwise, how would we ever acquire such reliable information?
Globally, the industry and the landscape of manufacturers are increasingly shifting toward large-scale manufacturers and corporate conglomerates that demonstrate a complete lack of interest in... Customer satisfaction, quality, solid technical measurements, and durability—and, on the other hand, smaller yet highly specialized manufacturers. Everything in between is gradually disappearing. And this trend is not limited to the audio sector alone.
ASR is increasingly becoming a painful thorn in the side of manufacturers delivering abysmal performance—more so than they would care to admit.
And this serves as the best protection for all the excellent manufacturers who continue to deliver ever-improving work.
