hmm not 100% convinced.

TVC's are cheap when...

.. they come from Malaysia (promethius)

they are reasonably priced, packaged more attractively when...

... they are British/supplier direct (glasshouse)

they are expensive when...

they go through dealership/distributor channels. (M. First)

You can say the exact same thing with active pre-amps... e.g.

cheap - ming da

medium - diyhifisupply

expensive - you name it!