First, I want to be clear that I select only high quality components for my amplifiers, so you can trust they are well-made and do not use poor quality no-name brand parts. As with anything, there is a cost to using components that are either higher quality or have size and performance attributes that make them more costly--things like transformers with a wider frequency bandwidth at low levels of harmonic distortion, or premium grade coupling capacitors since these are in the signal path and should be the best possible. And then there are some finish quality choices, like the type of volume knob, speaker binding posts, or the paint and finish of the chassis. I do not price any of my amplifiers to make a huge profit, but I do need to price them based on the costs of the components they include and the time and effort I put into making them. For some people, cost may not be much of an obstacle, and for others it may be more of a consideration. For those who are looking for the best of quality and have less concern for the price, the AE1-C, Legendarium and Requiem are my premium products and are also the only products I offer fully assembled. If you are a DIY builder and would rather save a bit more toward a good pair of speakers or a pre-amp and turntable, then the AE1 or Exordium could be great options.