Cal, single-ended 300-B triode monoblocks. About as simple and straightforward a design as is possible in the world of audio amplification. Not much goes into them. Why then do they cost so damned much? The analogy here is that if Leica makes it simpler, they'll probably still have to charge megabucks for it just because they're Leica. I love my Cary 300B amps, but as a value proposition, its not about how much engineering, labor or materials went into them, but rather how much Cary can get away with charging. And, Cary is far from the most expensive brand. Ergo, even if Leica were silly enough (silly here meaning that the market for a b&w only camera is probably not limited a to population only a little larger than the membership of RFF), they'd have to charge a bundle to (a) maintain their reputation for exclusivity and (b) to amortize the cost of tying up production capacity.
Another analogy. When a company like Rolex or Patek Philippe develops a new movement, they can plop into a case made out of any metal they want. Why is it that a steel Patek Nautilus or Rolex Daytona is so out of whack with the value of the materials? Well, cuz it's a no brainer that the margins on the gold and platinum models are so much more that it's not worth casing anything in steel unless they charge a ridiculous premium for steel. While slightly non-intuitive, entirely sensible from a P&L perspective.
So, Leica could make a camera that contains less (ie, a B&W only sensor; no display; etc.) AND still charge more for it because some of our rich friends will still pay the freight.\
Anyway, Cal, what do use those monoblocks to drive and what's on the front-end? If I didn't know that space is a problem, could picture you with a pair of really efficient horns, but I'm guessing that's not the case. However, I'm sure you spin vinyl, right?
