In response to Mihorn, I do not think there is a battle between high end audio and "puny earphones". Those who predominantly or exclusively use iPods or similar players with earbuds probably have no interest in high end audio for no other reason than either they have no familiarity with it or associate listening to music with mobility,
Hi Valinar, as you mentioned above, if those Ipod users (young people) will never be interested in hi-end audio in their life, hi-end audio will not exist soon in the future. Without a new comer, audio business will not survive. It is a small matter to you as a consumer. However, it matters much to me, my competitors, and all hi-end audio professionals.
We, hi-end audiophiles, started this audio hobby some point in our life after exposed to hi-end audio. Simply, we were impressed. If hi-end audio cant impress any Ipod users, the future of audio industry is bad. We are not doing a good job now. We will loose our job soon. It doesnt matter to old timers, many here, soon to be retired, but those who will be here 10 years later should be wiser.
It will be my life time goal to purchase $100k sound system and Ill get that sound system some point in my life if its worth it. Many people will do the same if its worth it. The audio business will be great. However, we all know we will loose money if we buy it. If its worth it, we shouldnt loose money.
I am doing a favor to the audio industry. I am attracting more new buyers. More people will be impressed with an affordable product that competes 50 times more of its price. More Ipod users will be impressed and become hi-end audiophiles. The consumer loves that kind of revolutionary product. Audio retailers should be happy with such products because more new comers will buy audio related gears. Then who are haters of my speakers here? Hmmm.
To OP. Dont give up! Truth and solution are out there.
Alex
Wavetouch Audio