and why is an iphone 700€?

720p and 1080p are also similliar. There are folks who can destinguish different sound quality.

Maybe because if both were $79, it wouldn't scream value to its target demographic. I agree that it's extremely steep for only a MP3 player, but it does well what it was designed for. For an age where devices are cluttered with a bunch of apps, maybe the target audience will appreciate a dedicated device.

So you are telling me you can see $800 worth of difference between this and a Fiio x5?  I have not used the Sony, but I find it extremely unlikely that it is that much better.  There are tons of music players that offer "studio quality sound" that aren't $1200.

Because people will pay it.  They have gotten people to buy into a gimmick.  It has been the focus of their operation model for the past 15 years.  It certainly isn't because it is worth that price in functionlity, quality, or durability.

/EDIT:  Also, no one pays full price for a phone, at least not in the US.  You sign a 2 year contract and get it for free.

If you think that's expensive, see this Astell & Kern at $2400

http://www.head-fi.org/products/astell-kern-ak240

There's indeed a niche market for expensive music players. They may only sell a few thousand of these but it's a high margin product. Audiophiles buy headphones that can cost up the $5000, equally priced amps etc.

No, my point is there is an audience who wants that, Its maybe not me or you but i am not complaining about the price of a product that isnt designed for me in the first place.

Yeah, if you're buying a $5000 headphone, a $1000 dedicated mp3 player is nothing.

People thinking high quality luxury was only applicable to homes, cars and clothing, they so wrong.

not true, there also cheaper mp3 player from sony with high res but not studio quality 

http://www.amazon.de/Sony-High-Res-Walkman-Bluetooth-Speicherkarten-Slot/dp/B00PEPZVZK/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1429030797&sr=8-7&keywords=walkman+sony