@orpheus10 thanks for the link. I have a different take on the state of high end audio that is largely demographic/cultural. First, it is worth pointing out that the article in the link is very US centric. Are we talking about the decline of the high end globally or in the US? I think you would find that the high end continues to thrive in Asia, aided by the growing Chinese middle and upper class.
Regarding the US (or, let’s say, the West). Being an audiophile is a time-consuming affair. Today, people have many more ways to spend their time than in the past. Folks are also leading busier lives leaving less time for hobbies. Ergo, the decline of golf and the ascent of less time intensive endeavours. People still enjoy hobbies but for shorter spurts of time.
Society also suffers from collective ADD, thanks to more options of things to do as well as social media. Even if people had the time to sit and listen for a couple of hours, many people (not just young people!) would have trouble concentrating on listening for any length of time.
Finally, condo living is increasingly prevelant so space is at a premium and neighbors near by. Unless you go the headphone route (which seems to be thriving), condo living isn’t ideal for the audiophile lifestyle, especially the high end. Again, Asia bucks the trend, as it is culturally acceptable for large, expensive systems to occupy prime real estate within tiny apartments. Not so much in the West.
Sorry about going off topic but this trend impacts much of what we have been discussing. If the high end were larger, economy of scales would (potentially) provide for a better buying experience.
@nrenter you make a couple of points I agree with but you do seem to be missing some of what has been recommended as solutions. For example, I think the manufacturer should provide select dealers with demos, with limited financial risk to the dealer. Yes, a house call is ideal but not necessary in many cases. Why would the dealer wait while you tested the cartridge? You have already paid a security deposit equal to the entire value of the cartridge.
What ideas do you have to improve on the status quo?
Regarding the US (or, let’s say, the West). Being an audiophile is a time-consuming affair. Today, people have many more ways to spend their time than in the past. Folks are also leading busier lives leaving less time for hobbies. Ergo, the decline of golf and the ascent of less time intensive endeavours. People still enjoy hobbies but for shorter spurts of time.
Society also suffers from collective ADD, thanks to more options of things to do as well as social media. Even if people had the time to sit and listen for a couple of hours, many people (not just young people!) would have trouble concentrating on listening for any length of time.
Finally, condo living is increasingly prevelant so space is at a premium and neighbors near by. Unless you go the headphone route (which seems to be thriving), condo living isn’t ideal for the audiophile lifestyle, especially the high end. Again, Asia bucks the trend, as it is culturally acceptable for large, expensive systems to occupy prime real estate within tiny apartments. Not so much in the West.
Sorry about going off topic but this trend impacts much of what we have been discussing. If the high end were larger, economy of scales would (potentially) provide for a better buying experience.
@nrenter you make a couple of points I agree with but you do seem to be missing some of what has been recommended as solutions. For example, I think the manufacturer should provide select dealers with demos, with limited financial risk to the dealer. Yes, a house call is ideal but not necessary in many cases. Why would the dealer wait while you tested the cartridge? You have already paid a security deposit equal to the entire value of the cartridge.
What ideas do you have to improve on the status quo?