Is Audiophilia a Dying Hobby or Just in Need of a Tune-Up?

Audiophilia is facing a crisis. With most enthusiasts over 55 and younger generations uninterested in high-end audio, the hobby risks fading into obscurity. Blame it on space, budget constraints, or the elitist image of the community—something needs to change.

40% of Audiophiles May Be Gone Soon, and No One Is Replacing Them

Can we make audiophilia relevant and inviting for the next generation, or is this truly the end of an era?

 

Gloria Steinem and Camille Paglia are influential because of their use of polemics. How fascinating to reference both in a thread about the health or demise of a male oriented hobby. Another moment on WBF.

It is a hobby splintered by dualities so I figure polemics can always play out as a possible side effect especially for those carrying more absolute notions with their preferences. Regularly the great poles of analogue/digital, tube/SS, CD digital/soft file digital transports, dynamic box/panel speakers, and the polarity dynamic takes over… it’s a hobby with plenty of potential polarised ignition points.

But we tend to be a passionate and highly invested pursuit and alternate views are sometimes carried out too vigorously and at loggerheads… factor in a written forum environment to add for tension and sometimes misunderstanding.

Some are quite fixed but there are also plenty of us here who don’t seem to struggle with the nature of carrying diametrically opposing perspectives and viewing poles as in ways valid if accepted as viewed from subjectively just very different perspectives.

 

thats right all the great bands with a few exceptions were pre 1980. aFOS and AS were certainly not great ones IMO. FOr me I listen to everything and there is new and newer music to enjoy but again this is NOT my point. The musical explosion and its place in culture was huge in the late 60's and 70's.. This happened by a particular set of circumstances that are not recreateable now.
There was no cable TV
There was no cell phones
There was no home computers
There was limited TV programming
There was limited broadcast of Sports
There was a change in culture- the sexual revolution, the war in Vietnam
The music changed we went from Sinatra to R&B to Folk and Rock N Roll
the music had messages other than love songs
FM radio became huge with enormous impact and DJ became stars by doing it.
I can still remember the people 60 years ago, that to me is very interesting
This doesnt say that nothing happened since only that this was a HUGE CHANGE in society, how we listened to music changed, the record became like text books and the artists affected and changed culture in ways that did not happen before.

It was far more than the music itself and people made HIFI cool and it was everywhere and everyone wanted a "stereo"
Peace out

Life did have a great pace to it then, and the 60’s carried all that revolutionary vibe and hope. Things since have sped up terribly. That continuous ramping up of activity and information sensation has been quite subversive and I figure we are changed creatures now because of it.

 

I wonder how many industry professionals have done focus groups with millennials to figure out what they want to enjoy their music.

Why would you need focus groups to figure this out? Go find a bunch of Millennials and observe how they are listening to music. (The Millennials I know use ear buds and headphones).

I don't know anything about survey taking, but I would rather observe what people actually do than ask them to describe what they think they want.

 

I don’t see the negative correlation either and did not try to suggest it in my post. I’m just saying that it’s about the whole spectacle just as it is with Pink Floyd live shows or Alice Cooper. In other words, it’s more than just about the music. Taylor Swift puts on a show for her Swifty fans.

I doubt people close their eyes when attending her live shows, not even audio files. Are there any Swifty’s in the WBF forum sphere?

I can say I like some of here songs, all ought I can’t see myself attending one of her concerts unless won a free ticket.

 

Here’s the thing: The younger generations these days rarely walk into a grocery store. My son the doctor works all hours. He needs something, he orders it on his phone and it is delivered in an hour or two. He actually has hifi gear because he grew up in a house with hifi gear.

Many of us here remember the bygone days of the audio/electronics stores of the 60s and 70s. Access to audio gear from low cost to high end was plentiful and easy. Even Sears sold stereo gear back then. During my college days in the mid 70s I remember browsing audio stores and dreaming of the day I could afford to buy something. Hearing great music coming from these magic boxes was so seductive for me. I remember these stores having a lot of traffic at the time. $89 turntables from Technics, Gerrard, BIC, Philips siting on the shelves. $89 was a lot of money back then but to see it all just sitting there for the buying.

Fretters and other big box stores killed the small audio shops. They were pushed into more boutique, costlier gear reducing their customer base to the increasingly well heeled. By the late 80s it could be intimidating walking into some hifi shops. Just walking in to browse and I could feel the salesperson sizing me up to determine if I was worth their time and attention. I walked into a McIntosh store once in 2006. I looked around, the sales people barely glanced at me. I asked to hear something but was turned away. Then there was Harry of Audio Dimensions in Royal Oak, Mi. I met him for the first time in 1991. Depending on the day and his mood, you might be welcomed or you might be in for a sharp lecture. It was a small shop so you couldn’t exactly avoid him. But I wouldn’t buy from anyone else. Got my first Sota turntable there and some ARC gear. He was my source for tubes, cartridges and even records long after I moved away from Detroit. Not a store for everyone, that’s for sure but the prickly guy was endearing. That’s the hifi experience I miss.

Even just a few years ago I could not imagine buying ultra expensive hifi gear by mail order sight unseen/unheard. Now, I have done that for two generations of digital hifi gear. I have returned a few things but cheaper than flying to a city with a physical store to audition gear plus hearing the gear in my room is better for me. But I’m a long time hobbyist that is well past hesitation and doubt. I find even for myself it takes a lot of research, determination and courage to buy high end gear these days. Without a salesman to help push people over the edge and make that purchase- well not sure how anything major gets sold these days.

How are people exposed to hifi today? Stores are far and few between limited typically to the larger cities. And like I said, many people these days do not shop in a grocery store. Perhaps a business model like Apple or Cellphone companies- manufacturers could collaborate to open showrooms around the country exhibiting their wares. No inventory except for maybe low cost items and accessories. Kind of a permanent Axpona but on a smaller scale. I think many furniture stores operate this way these days.

 

PS. I’m retired so I’d love to spend a few hours a week sitting in an Audio showroom answering questions and hearing some toons.

 

Many have addressed the differences in how music reproduction is being consumed by the younger generations (ear buds + mobile devices vs complete systems) but there also seems to be a fundamental difference in the way concerts are attended.

My sister went to a Harry Styles concert with her family a couple years ago. Acknowledging that this community does not view the music of Mr. Styles favorably, but we can at least recognize that he is a somewhat competent vocalist - at least worth listening to after shelling out $XXXX for the tickets. Not a single note of his could be heard as a result of the collective 'signing' of the thousands of young attendees at the show. I have been told that similar activity occurs with Taylor Swift concerts. It is quite perplexing that fans of the performer are so uninterested in experiencing the actual 'sound' of the performance and derive more pleasure by treating the event as an extravagantly expensive karaoke machine with impressive live visuals. This certainly wasn't the case with major acts several years ago.

Returning to the original topic, I do part-time strategic consulting for high-end audio organizations and the marketing challenges across the industry are profound and far-reaching.

 

the marketing challenges across the industry are profound and far-reaching.

What would you say is the single biggest reason for this?

 

Well for competition, for those who choose to purchase gear, you have home theater which is a group experience not just one person in "the chair". I think that is a much more attractive option than listening alone. Wife, kids, friends are all invited. One thing I will never understand is how many people in the hobby look down their noses at this aspect of the hobby. You can play any format on such a system which is a huge advantage WRT media available.

Rob

 

Well for competition, for those who choose to purchase gear, you have home theater which is a group experience not just one person in "the chair". I think that is a much more attractive option than listening alone. Wife, kids, friends are all invited. One thing I will never understand is how many people in the hobby look down their noses at this aspect of the hobby. You can play any format on such a system which is a huge advantage WRT media available.

Rob

Excellent point. One hand people complain that headphone listening does not have the social aspect of speaker systems. On the other, the home theater experience is not much acknowledged, which is, as you say, a much more communal experience than sitting alone in that sweetspot. Some weird contradictions here.

And when you watch a concert in home theater it can be very good. Even with less than perfect sound the combination with video can make for a wonderfully immerse experience of music.

 

What would you say is the single biggest reason for this?

It is certainly challenging to speculate on the biggest contributor as the reasons for the contracting market are multifactorial. I authored a blog article about how high-end audio is unfortunately not part of the growing luxury market. Many of these points were raised earlier but I believe part of this decline is based on: i) the lack of status associated with high-end audio, ii) the requisite knowledge and time commitment/patience involved in building a system, and iii) the emphasis on integrated home theaters (rather than dedicated audio) in large custom homes.

 

A Swifty, or Swiftyophile is one who enjoys the sound of TS’s digital. It’s one step lower than a Digitalophile.

Does your dog howl when you play Swifties? You should too.

Not sure why we question the “snob” label audiophiles have acquired. Taylor Swift has brought tremendous joy to countless people including, recently in Toronto, my nieces. Would you like to repeat your comments to four of the nicest kids you’ll ever meet?

 

It is certainly challenging to speculate on the biggest contributor as the reasons for the contracting market are multifactorial. I authored a blog article about how high-end audio is unfortunately not part of the growing luxury market. Many of these points were raised earlier but I believe part of this decline is based on: i) the lack of status associated with high-end audio, ii) the requisite knowledge and time commitment/patience involved in building a system, and iii) the emphasis on integrated home theaters (rather than dedicated audio) in large custom homes.

Interesting observations. I assume you are talking about high-end audio ex. Asia. From my distant vantage point, having a big rig does indeed appear to confer status on the owner in that part of the world. Point two is framed as a bug but audiophiles think it’s a feature. On point three, you’ll understand the reference being from the area. I live in Oakville and waste hours looking at high end real estate listings in the ‘hood. Fewer new large home builds have dedicated home theatres, whereas 20 years ago they were more important than having a home gym. These days I see giant tvs with a couple of speakers thrown in as an afterthought as part of larger entertainment rooms (bar, billiards, etc.). Gone are the popcorn makers and movie marquees that used to be so popular. They still exist, but you’re more likely to see a golf simulator than a dedicated home theatre.

 

It is certainly challenging to speculate on the biggest contributor as the reasons for the contracting market are multifactorial. I authored a blog article about how high-end audio is unfortunately not part of the growing luxury market. Many of these points were raised earlier but I believe part of this decline is based on: i) the lack of status associated with high-end audio, ii) the requisite knowledge and time commitment/patience involved in building a system, and iii) the emphasis on integrated home theaters (rather than dedicated audio) in large custom homes.

Thank you.

(My answer to my own question would have been "shrinking high-end economic pie.")

 

Thank you.

(My answer to my own question would have been "shrinking high-end economic pie.")

It's not shrinking high-end economic pie Ron, hifi at all price points is in decline:

Denon, Marantz and B&W: Business closure allegedly on the cards

"In the highly competitive hi-fi market, the brands belonging to Sound United, such as Denon, Marantz and Bowers & Wilkens, have long seemed like a rock in the surf. However, there are currently increasing media reports that Sound United's parent company Masimo is considering discontinuing the –...

pinkfishmedia.net

 

It's not shrinking high-end economic pie Ron, hifi at all price points is in decline:

I don't understand your logic. The fact that "hi-fi at all price points is in decline," does not in any way refute my comment that the high-end economic pie is in decline.

 

Here’s the thing: The younger generations these days rarely walk into a grocery store. My son the doctor works all hours. He needs something, he orders it on his phone and it is delivered in an hour or two. He actually has hifi gear because he grew up in a house with hifi gear.

Many of us here remember the bygone days of the audio/electronics stores of the 60s and 70s. Access to audio gear from low cost to high end was plentiful and easy. Even Sears sold stereo gear back then. During my college days in the mid 70s I remember browsing audio stores and dreaming of the day I could afford to buy something. Hearing great music coming from these magic boxes was so seductive for me. I remember these stores having a lot of traffic at the time. $89 turntables from Technics, Gerrard, BIC, Philips siting on the shelves. $89 was a lot of money back then but to see it all just sitting there for the buying.

Fretters and other big box stores killed the small audio shops. They were pushed into more boutique, costlier gear reducing their customer base to the increasingly well heeled. By the late 80s it could be intimidating walking into some hifi shops. Just walking in to browse and I could feel the salesperson sizing me up to determine if I was worth their time and attention. I walked into a McIntosh store once in 2006. I looked around, the sales people barely glanced at me. I asked to hear something but was turned away. Then there was Harry of Audio Dimensions in Royal Oak, Mi. I met him for the first time in 1991. Depending on the day and his mood, you might be welcomed or you might be in for a sharp lecture. It was a small shop so you couldn’t exactly avoid him. But I wouldn’t buy from anyone else. Got my first Sota turntable there and some ARC gear. He was my source for tubes, cartridges and even records long after I moved away from Detroit. Not a store for everyone, that’s for sure but the prickly guy was endearing. That’s the hifi experience I miss.

Even just a few years ago I could not imagine buying ultra expensive hifi gear by mail order sight unseen/unheard. Now, I have done that for two generations of digital hifi gear. I have returned a few things but cheaper than flying to a city with a physical store to audition gear plus hearing the gear in my room is better for me. But I’m a long time hobbyist that is well past hesitation and doubt. I find even for myself it takes a lot of research, determination and courage to buy high end gear these days. Without a salesman to help push people over the edge and make that purchase- well not sure how anything major gets sold these days.

How are people exposed to hifi today? Stores are far and few between limited typically to the larger cities. And like I said, many people these days do not shop in a grocery store. Perhaps a business model like Apple or Cellphone companies- manufacturers could collaborate to open showrooms around the country exhibiting their wares. No inventory except for maybe low cost items and accessories. Kind of a permanent Axpona but on a smaller scale. I think many furniture stores operate this way these days.

I have visted a lot of stereo shops across the country and one observation I have is that the more successful dealers do two things:

1. They provide extraordinary customer service including lengthy dialing in of speaker placement. That engenders a strong relationship and the customer rewards with friend referrals and lifecycle purchases.

2. They treat younger customers with the same respect even if the sale is years out. If they are newbies, the play them a flagship system to demonstrate what is possible but demonstrate a good affordable system. No judgments.

 

It's not shrinking high-end economic pie Ron, hifi at all price points is in decline:

Denon, Marantz and B&W: Business closure allegedly on the cards

"In the highly competitive hi-fi market, the brands belonging to Sound United, such as Denon, Marantz and Bowers & Wilkens, have long seemed like a rock in the surf. However, there are currently increasing media reports that Sound United's parent company Masimo is considering discontinuing the –...

pinkfishmedia.net

I think we need to be careful that if less successful firms are struggling then that means hifi “is in decline.” In this particular example, it may even be all on strategy moves.

My personal opinion is that the recent economy has been far shittier than reported and the hifi purchases are luxury ones being pulled by nervous consumers.

Maybe I am too optimistic, but I continue to believe there is a perpetual core group of people who want great sound.

 

2. They treat younger customers with the same respect even if the sale is years out. If they are newbies, the play them a flagship system to demonstrate what is possible but demonstrate a good affordable system. No judgments.

This is exactly what Michael Kay did with me when I walked into Lyric when I was around 21 years old.

 

This is exactly what Michael Kay did with me when I walked into Lyric when I was around 21 years old.

Funny enough, same thing happened to me. He took me straight back to the IRS speaker room in 1990. It knocked my socks off.