I agree, I would pay a premium for Canaan's reliability and distributors added value, but 2x antminer is insane. My point is, they are doing business, demand is huge, if they sell for less money they are stupid.
Stupid? Or rather competent and reasonable? If those 821 were 20TH/s, go for it. 16 TH/s? Still bearable. But this "new model' is nothing new. Obviously Canaan "stopped" to manufacture 741. With 741 reasonably priced on the market, who would buy 821s?
I mean, don't get me wrong. I currently own several miners, including a couple of 741s. With funds ready in place, I've been looking at Canaan's new line (like anybody else). Expected to pay premium as well. But 300% the price for 35-40% more power on 741 vs 821 is beyond ridiculous. This is such an obvious manipulation and money grab it is sickening. It is! We are talking here 11 TH/s. Eleven. That's S9 efficiency in... November 2016!