I assume G-E did some kind of consumer research/survey before launching $8,500 speakers.
There must be enough loyal G-E fans out there (OUTSIDE of Audioholics) to justify this speaker.
G-E has a lot of advertisements (like magazines) and raving reviews.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away, when I bought my DT system ($12,000 MSRP), the number one reason was because of all the glowing reviews on magazines and advertisements. It was BEFORE I became a member of Audioholics.
It seems like none of us here on AH are willing to pay $8K on these G-E speakers.
And if I had been an AH member a long time ago, in a galaxy far far away, I would have never been willing to spend that kind of money on those DT speakers.