Future of this hobby?


I took some time off work, and I read the Jan edition of Stereophile cover to cover today. In the Letters to Editor section people were writing in about what will happen to this hobby as the target audience ages and the younger generation doesn't jump on board. I am 28, and I fear that the concern is definitely real. My friends, fiance, and people my age are in love with their Ipods. That is great that they are into listening to music in whatever manner they choose. My friends and fiance all agree that my stereo sounds good but also feel that stereos bought at discount retail stores fill the same need and have no interest in spending the extra cash.

Also, I went to a couple of Chicago Audio Society meetings to see if I could make some friends that shared my interest. I felt a little out of place though when I was the only person in the 20-30 demographic out of a population of forty people. Further, there may have been one or two people in their late 30s and probably half of the people were over 50.

The only conclusion I can reach on this subject is that lesser products are meeting the needs of people my age, and I don't forsee the younger generations waking up one day and deciding to sell the MP3 players so that they can buy high-end turntables. In 20-30 years as much of the current audiophile population ages and some move into assisted living or other arrangements where these elaborate and space consuming set-ups are no longer wanted or needed, the few remaining young people that actually care will be able to take ownership of kick-ass systems at steep discounts. I along with any kids that I have will have our cash ready in anticipation of that day.
firecracker_77
Firecracker,,Just think of all the great deals youll be able to find when all us older Audiophiles start to pass on and our kids sell our stuff for pennies on the dollar!I like Sugarbries reply!Tvad,LOL ,,maybe someone will come out with a line of "Audiophile hearing aids! "
This is a great post. As most Americans continue to value flash and convenience over substance and fidelity, this hobby will likely continue to shrink. I am 31 and have been in this hobby for 16 years, but my friends look at me like I'm an alien if I mention the fact that my stereo cost more than my car. It's all about worshipping music more than the dollar.
Hmnnnnn????
All attempts to interest my son in 'my hobby' fall on, enlightened ears up to a point. He loves my system, loves his music and thinks I am
a) nuts to pay the money for such a system
b) a lunatic to pay for any kind of software.
I have said I will give him my second system if he pays for his music: answer,
"Get real, how can I afford £16 for a cd on my wages"
I can see his point but still can't bring myself to bother with an I=pod for the very occassional holiday listening and bring myself to rob artists of their living - in spite of the fact many spur of the moment purchases make me feel the 'robbed' party.

I'll hold of and & may give him a turntable for his 30th,
I'd hate to see all my vinyl going to the tip when I snuff it !!!!
Does give pause for thought.
It does occur that the younger generation already expect to get hi end for next to free through the dreaded Ebay.
Rgds Si