What's going on with the audio market?


Recent retail sales reports are very bad and I am hearing that sales for audio equipment have been nonexistent over the past few months.  I also see more dealers putting items up for sale here and on other outlets.  Even items that have traditionally sold quickly here are expiring without being sold. 

To what would you attribute the slowdown?  Have you changed your buying habits for audio equipment and, if so, why? 
theothergreg

Showing 1 response by 65voodoo

Interesting examination: 
57, 35, as soon as this next system hits pay dirt!

Why the quest? Why not?
I've had what i call a scratch the surface  system. Combo 2-channel/ home theater. Anthem AVM 40, Anthem MCA 20 and 30, OPPO 95, Paradigm Studio 100s v5 and Analysis Plus Solo Crystal cabling.
Been so busy the last few years fell off the audio map and to be honest was quite content with the sound of things.

I like the Studio 100s so when I came across pictures of Paradigms 30th Anniversary Tribute speakers which I did not even know existed till a few months ago I was smitten as in lust!  Would their sound justify the upgrade cost or just look fresh like a new girlfriend? Long story short found a new pair and bought them (no audition). 

Set up the Tributes and while not night and day the outstanding difference was in the open top end of the Beryllium tweeters. The bells and cymbals stood out but were also silky and not harsh. Broke them in pretty good and cranked them up a little one day with a SACD of Steely Dan's Everything Must Go. The tight slam of the bass and drums made the  hair stand up on my neck! Wow that is impressive! Gotta move and get a dedicated room for this! 

Now I'm waist deep in the forums and like they say be careful what you look for cause............boy those Pass Labs amps get great reviews across the boards! Are my pockets deep? Not so much. 

Then why is there an X250.8 on the way? Like Chevy Chase said in vacation before he skinny dipped with Christie Brinkely.....this is crazy, this is crazy.
I'm pretty sure (and so is my wife) that I've opened a not so small can of worms! My kids are too busy to look up from their iPhones and tablets to notice.

I really hope the law of diminishing returns is not too hard on me.

We'll see