Q Acoustics Concept 30 price cut

[robdmarsh]

Just wondering why this very highly regarded bookshelf speaker has come down by nearly £200 nearly everywhere? Seems particularly odd in these inflationary times. Could it be it was not selling very well at rrp?

 

[Al ears]

Just wondering why this very highly regarded bookshelf speaker has come down by nearly £200 nearly everywhere? Seems particularly odd in these inflationary times. Could it be it was not selling very well at rrp?

Could mean something new is imminent.

 

[robdmarsh]

Could mean something new is imminent.

But these are about 18 months old aren't they?

 

[Al ears]

But these are about 18 months old aren't they?

Probably less than that. Earliest review I can find is January this year....
They were £899 to start with and cheapest I can now see is £690.
This can be the norm for small speakers that dont sell well.
Perhaps asking a dealer might confirm why.

 

[nopiano]

Is it general stock shifting, cum Black Friday discounts? Quite a few brands are cutting prices one way or the other. Marantz and QA are two that rarely seem to stick at full price for long.

 

[robdmarsh]

Darko's review is interesting. I think these have the kind of sound signature I would have gone for a couple of years ago but now my tastes have changed and I like a livelier sound. A lively sound that can be kept in check, mind you. I would love to hear these against the ls50 meta on the end of my Denon pma 800ne.

 

[doifeellucky]

They’ve been 20% off using a code for a few months at SSV. I went into one of their shops recently and they mentioned they’re not selling that well. Despite generally good reviews I think some potential buyers are struggling with the considerable price rise over the 20’s.

 

[RoA]

Purely looking on what you get (I have no idea how they sound);

Nice drivers, purpose made for the 30 and further up the range, a good, solid cabinet, decent crossover (for the money) plus nice finishing of the speaker

even it's RRP seems entirely reasonable.

https://www.qacoustics.co.uk/concept-30.html

I can see two problems. The brand will likely forever be associated with budget speakers. I believe they should have chosen to start another brand name altogether to distance themselves from that market.

Think Toyota/Lexus.

Another example of something similar are Boardman bikes, named after C Boardman. Halford bought the brand and it is now associated with mass market brands. They tried to make some more expensive Road bikes, undoubtedly good ones but I have never seen anyone with a £3k+ Boardman bike ... .

The other issue is related. Because of this folks are probably comparing this standmount with basic level floor standers from competitors such as Dali or MA at similar money or even QAcoustics own, cheaper products. In other words, they think they get more for their money. More is usually perceived as better when starting off in this hobby. Add a couple of good reviews from WH and presto, you have a best seller. - It is only when looking closer and seeing what has gone into a small speaker that was designed by someone that knows what they're doing ... the bell might ring.

Now, as I said, I have not heard the speakers and I do not want to take away anything from the other brands mentioned but I can see why this speaker might struggle in a show room. Enthusiasts likely shy away because of the name, starters are ... .

 

[robdmarsh]

Surely QA are a well-established brand at the enthusiast level for those in the know. But it's not just them, I see the Dynaudio emit 20 can also be had for a £200 discount.

It's weird, pricing is crazy. Dali Oberon 5 came out in 2019 and were about £550. I nearly got a pair of those but I blinked and they'd gone up to £750. The standard price now seems to be £850.

 

[robdmarsh]

potential buyers are struggling with the considerable price rise over the 20’s.

They do make quite a big thing about the enhancements in the build quality and crossover isolation.

 

[Al ears]

Surely QA are a well-established brand at the enthusiast level for those in the know. But it's not just them, I see the Dynaudio emit 20 can also be had for a £200 discount.

It's weird, pricing is crazy. Dali Oberon 5 came out in 2019 and were about £550. I nearly got a pair of those but I blinked and they'd gone up to £750. The standard price now seems to be £850.

small standmount speaker prices have always been pretty volatile as more manufacturers tend to make them and are fairly swift in issuing updates

 

[robdmarsh]

small standmount speaker prices have always been pretty volatile as more manufacturers tend to make them and are fairly swift in issuing updates

And then there's your Rubicon 2, Al ears. I'm sure these were about £13/1400 not so long ago. What are they now? £1800?

 

[robdmarsh]

Sorry, it's not you with the Rubicons, "my bad!" as they say these days.

 

[Al ears]

And then there's your Rubicon 2, Al ears. I'm sure these were about £13/1400 not so long ago. What are they now? £1800?

Obviously proving very popular, supply and demand featuring a lot here I feel.

 

[robdmarsh]

Just checked, there's a bit of a pattern emerging here. The Rubicon 2 are back down to £1399 at several retailers. These are indeed strange times. Discretionary product pricing, and I'm sure we'd agree that hifi falls into that category, seems pretty volatile at the moment!

 

[Al ears]

Just checked, there's a bit of a pattern emerging here. The Rubicon 2 are back down to £1399 at several retailers. These are indeed strange times. Discretionary product pricing, and I'm sure we'd agree that hifi falls into that category, seems pretty volatile at the moment!

desperate times for dealers and manufacturers alike it would seem.