Electronics in new analogs!

[Erik Schuijers]

Hi everyone,

I just visited some sites (Doepfer, Syntecno etc...) and wondered why the
machines they sell are so expensive? I mean, the electronics are about the
same as they were 20 years ago. Most of the components are very cheap.
Midi-interfacing isn't that expensive!

For instance: if I would build the PAiA MCV8 ($150) + VCO, VCF, VCA,
Envelope and noise generators (+/- $50 depending on what luxury you ask!) +
housing (+/- $25) + power supply (+/- $25). That would make $250. In
comparison the MS-404 costs $500+ !

I think for $250 you can build yourself one hell of a synth.

OK, so my question is: what's the difference (apart from the production
costs)? Is it in electronics? New techniques or something? Or is it just
that a big demand automatically leads to a big price?

Erik

PS: I don't know whether synths like the MS-404 sell well or not!