High End Audio-Gaining Higher Ground?

Minorl has it exactly right; as does Wolf re the state of music today. As much as I hate to say it one the biggest obstacles to the success of the High End may be audiophiles ourselves. The cynicism and negativity passing for "reality" as demonstrated so far is amazing. What a bunch of curmudgeons we are. "Snobbery" in the High End? What is more snobbish than being intent on considering oneself part of "a dieing breed". I have been reading and hearing about the death of quality audio for years and it is still here; and it is thriving as far as I can see. I see more manufacturers of quality gear than ever before (noticed how many manufacturers of quality TURNTABLES! we have now?), and in the 40+ years that I have played in this hobby I have never seen so much value offered in spite of the cries that gear is too expensive. Who says we are entitled to have the best? Instead of celebrating the fact that gear that is less than sota is still far better than much of the "best" of 40 years ago, we go around being pissed off that we cant afford the best; not a good perspective imo.

As has been pointed out, there will always be demand for gear that is a cut above. The High End is here to stay.

Either you've got this high-end bug or you don't. I remember being awestruck the first time I saw my uncle's receiver... he laughed... took it off the shelf and gave it to me. The first time I heard a pair of AR 3's I stood there like a deer in the headlights.

There's also the Peter Green Fleetwood Mac which was an entirely different creature and doesn't seem to get the respect they deserve. I do agree though Lindsey is an under rated guitar player as is Zappa

I'm still waiting on that chance encounter of meeting or running into a fellow audiophile by accident

Neither is the high end bug contagious. While many have found themselves in my listening room and some have made small improvements in their own systems, none have been willing to sell his/her soul for the endorphins.
I'm waiting for the chance encounter but not expecting it.