Starting with a high amount gets much less interest in the auction. Auctions get people excited. Many people will tell you they paid more than they wanted just because you're competing against others and you want something and want to win it. Also, starting with high amounts creates high fees from Ebay, whereas reserve fees are lower.

I always see the high priced items sitting there waiting to get their first bid with hours or minutes left. There's a reason auctions always start low, whether it be Ebay or an auction house, so I'd take it from the experts(not saying me, I mean Ebay and Auction Houses).