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High End Audio Equipment, Status Symbol?

I was reading some other forums, about why High end audio is or is not a status symbol. I prefer it not to be or we would be having systems like the one below.

Saleen P-675 Pre-Amp
Saleen A-6500 7 Channel Amplifier
Rolex Venom Type 4 Interconnects
Rolex Diamondback Speaker Cable
Lexus FRS-9000 Electrostatic Loudspeakers
Lexus SS8 Surround Speakers
Lexus CP-8 Center channel
Dachati VVX-9 CD Transport
Aston Martin V-9 DVD/DVD-A/SACD/MP3/CDR/CDRD
Bentley 75' MX-1 Plasma UHDTV (Ultra High Def Tv)
Lockheed Martin DBS-50, 5000w 24in Depthcharge Subwoofer
Audi MS-2004 Master Remote Control System
Northrup Grummann PSS9000 Stage 10 Power Filter/conditioner
audiophanatik
cwlondon
1,198 posts
 
High End has never succeeded as a status symbol because it is a cottage industry of enthusiasts who can't market their way out of a paper bag.

I have heard all the arguments -- you cant show it off, the laymen don't get it, don't appreciate the performance, but those arguments fail to explain why people drink expensive mineral water, pay thousands for Italian sheets, wear Sea Dweller Rolexes only in the shower, and order Porsche Turbos with Tiptronic transmissions and "supple leather" interiors.

In the mean time, Bose sells like hot cakes because
cwlondon
1,198 posts
 
....because they market relentlessly to the mass market, not to obsessive audiophiles whose next upgrade spells the death of their previous favourite manufacturer's revenues.

But what fun. Who cares if yuppies dont get it.
newbee
4,093 posts
 
Stereo systems, a status symbol? The only thing that anyone comments on when they visit my place is my music collection, hell they don't even know what a tube amp is! In my neck of the wood's if I wanted a status symbol a stereo system is the last place I'd put my money.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Very well said CW. Bottled water and Bose systems are classic examples of marketing without a product of any substance to back it up.

Personally, it doesn't matter to me because I'm in this hobby because I love it. Listening to music and building systems is one of my passions and I it for me and me only. Just two people on this planet have ever heard my system.
rgbyhkr
32 posts
 
Doesn't their have to be widespread recognition of the brands before they can be considered symbols? Unless you had audiophiles regularly visiting your house, it'd be hard to get any status recognition from the equipment you own. Regardless, like any other industry, I'm sure there are those who buy certain high-end audio brands based largely on their reputation for being high-end.

Jeff
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