What's going on with the audio market?

Calvin- don't lose faith. You don't have to feel that way- this hobby can still be fun and lot's of good used gear, DIY, interesting stuff if you are willing to invest the time. The music- yeah, that's really the purpose, but we tend to rationalize all the gear-mania by claiming that it's getting us closer to the real musical experience. I feel like I've gotten off the treadmill, and while gear still interests me, I'm probably more interested in set up, the design, the "why" of it, and the history, rather than the bling. And buying records- much fun there to be had, you can have stuff coming in constantly from web purchases- great to look forward to, to explore and hear new things (or old things that you haven't heard).  I enjoy my system now more than I ever did; I still buy stuff, but I'm not caught up in any sort of competition, and I have fun experimenting. 

Returntomusic, I concur.  Not that there isn't a ring of truth in all the other posts but I think you nailed it.

TO THE ASSHOLE WHOM IS REMOVING MY POSTS- REMOVE THE POSTS BY SIDDH AS WELL. I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DEFEND MYSELF AGAINST PERSONAL TREATS/CHALLENGES!

Jafant it's the moderators you just need to chill out and no one here is attacking you.

"There will always be plenty of good sounding gear to buy. More so than ever.   Because technology and things in general move forward.   Its not as hard these days to get top notch sound as it was years ago.   Only a few still scrape and claw at every last possibility at any price. Most people are just listening to their music and loving it.   Including old timers like me that live and learn.   I've bought into some hype and maybe even a tad of BS in years past but am better these days.

So the days of living with old ways of the past for the industry may well be very limited but the ones that continue to truly innovate and adapt will continue to fill the market with good products that can keep most everyone happy one way or another.

Consumers will be fine, including those seeking the best possible sound."

I agree.