But that is exactly what Veblen status products are - they are status symbols, regardless of whether they are watches, designer goods, luxury cars, or hi-fi. They are bought to display the owner's wealth, are expensive and inaccessible to those who cannot afford them.

The paradox is that with Veblen status items, if the price asked rises so too does the exclusivity and desirability, and hence the demand by those interested in using them as status symbols.

I have to admit that only audio cognoscenti would recognise the worth of something as mundane as a piece of electronics - but a turntable, especially some of the high-end, and hence expensive, items could look very impressive to some.

I've been trying to think of any camera manufacturers who might claim to have Veblen status. The only names that come to mind are Leica (for their history and quality) and Alpa (for their exclusivity and quality).