Low-profile loudspeaker prices may soon be on the rise, thanks to a 1400% cost increase (since 2008) for the rare-earth metal, neodymium.  Shin-Etsu Chemical , which mines neodymium, has announced a 40%, July 1st price increase for the rare earth magnets, which are made into smaller-than-average loudspeaker drivers for such companies as Martin Logan, Definitive Technology, Wisdom Audio, Earthquake, BG Radia, and Totem Acoustic.