[quote name='tauzero' post='340692' date='Nov 29 2008, 06:45 PM']So if you were doing an 8 KT-88 head, the parts cost would be £450+. Would you want paying a bit to make them, by any chance?
While I think it's an eye-watering amount and I wouldn't be in the slightest bit tempted, to compare the costs of 2/3 (by value) of the components with the complete product after it's had all its manufacturing costs added on plus the importer's markup, distributor's markup, retailer's markup, customs duty, VAT, transport costs etc is rather disingenuous. And it's £750 cheaper than the RRP on the Ampeg Classic Series SVT-VR which is a mere 300W.[/quote]
I'm talking top quality components that are not bulk bought and i do not have a deal with a supplier either which would bring the cost down even further, and I'm also thinking custom hand wound transformers too which is where i think would be the biggest cost if i made one.
Unless Ashdown have gone completely barmy, they'll be buying the components in bulk, and they won't be using very high quality components either. It'll cost them a lot less than what i could put one together for. They'll stick in rubbish Sovtek or even Unbranded valves in there too.
Though there is a reason they put cheap valves in there, it's because they get damaged easily during shipping. And i guess, everyone has a personal flavor. Changing valves right away after getting an amp is something we're quite used to in guitar-amp-land.
It's really got my curiosity, why are these so expensive? and bass valve amps in general... I'm going to do some research when i get some time and really try to figure it out. If it's made completely by hand, point-to-point AND sounds absolutely amazing then it might be worth what they're asking.
I really hope i have a moment where i go 'Ah, so thats why they're expensive' but i don't see it happening.