Hi Marty,
As far as I can remember high end was always exclusive not only in this hobby but in everything luxury that's the nature of things and a reality that everyone has to deal with. What's Best Forums is a niche within that niche but for fun let's pretend that people actually care, what do you call a realistic budget for entry level high end system because $500 isn't going to cut it? Give me that and I'll tell you where people can go shopping or where to access information on those systems. It wasn't the job of high end dealers over 40 years ago when I started and I don't see how that of business can cater to the masses today either but at the least this world is more accessible because of the internet and the communities he knocks. You're welcome to call us snobs and elitists but that's what we specialize in, budget and mass market have their own outlets and resources.
I remember going to big box stores or mid/low fi dealer with a few hundred bucks burning a hole in my pocket and promptly escorted to the budget room after with 20 pairs of speakers and 3-4 players to stick a CD in and most likely walk out with peace of mind carrying the box that your salesperson said he'll own if he was buying
! To be given that privilege you needed either a relationship with the store or announce that you were there to make a purchase. Today's medium is digital streaming and everyone has access to near unlimited music and video for little to no cost in the palm of their hands. There are numerous resources for people to learn from far more than what we had, people even have the ability to buy, try and return I don't recall that possibility specially with smaller dealers. There are still many big box stores like Best Buy, B&H and others where young and old, male, female and whatever can visit and try things out, but hey their sales staff are ignorant. Then go to a specialist and pay the costs. How many manufacturers and online retailers offer free home trials, you recently purchased products from a member here and a DAC online from a manufacturer with no strings attached, did you have the ability to say Schitt I don't like it give me my money back and walk away without thinking twice? There are no barriers or lack of competing outlets for anyone at any age to get a decent digital system today with relatively small outlay.
david