Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't there a lot more information on the Plutone speakers on his website now than there was back when you brought them to our attention earlier this year? I don't recall that much, or perhaps I was too distracted(?). Dunno.
Anyway, I felt a familiar tug of interest as I read about them. Nothing will happen for a while cuz I just don't have the funds right now - though I am working on saving for a future purchase. [I'm up to about $2600 right now.] I only buy audio equipment if I have cash to pay for it.
The Plutone kit + Deuland cast Cu-Ag hybrid price of 3390.00 Euros includes a 21% Dutch sales tax. This is not included to sales outside of the EU. This drops the price to 2801.00 Euros ($2948 USD). The flat pack is 330.00/pair. Presumably, the flat pack price also includes the 21% tax, so the USD equivalent is $287.This brings the kit + flat pack price to $3235 + shipping.
When you first brought this pair to our attention, I saw the price tag and kind of freaked out because it's for a kit after all. Now I'm armed with a bit more information about these speakers; about another kit's slightly less lofty price, my imagined kit pricing of a speaker that isn't a kit, but that I lust after.
This other kit speaker called Spiritwinds was designed by Jeff Bagby using an special order AT midwoofer and a Scan Speak Be tweeter. This kit costs $1618. Pre assembled XOs would add more. I don't know anyone who would do the flat pack for me, but I do know a couple speaker cabinet makers who would charge in the neighborhood of $400 to $500 to make veneered cabinets. That puts it at close to $2200. Upgraded XOs would add $300(?) more.
My imagination kit is Jim Salk's Exotica monitors. They are not available as a kit. They cost $5995/pr. I pretend they might cost ~$4000 as a kit (?).
That's all for now. In 2 1/2 hours Taiwan will enter 2017. Time for some joy, laughter, and Kavalan Solist Cask strength Whiskey. It's amazing stuff that I picked up at Duty Free at CKS Airport for ~$96.00 (costs ~$150 in the US!).
Happy new year!