@johnto
I have to disagree. I don't think there's ever been a better time to get high-value & performance at a reasonable price than today. Look at the Bluenode 2i at less than $500 or a PrimaLuna Prologue Premium integrated amp new at $2,300 as some examples. Just because a high-end/ultra-high performance market exists does not mean hifi is a hobby of exclusion by any means. That's like saying that because a 2019 Porsche 911S now costs over $115K that buying cars has become something only the ultra-rich can afford.
I think that's one of the problems with audio, it's becoming a hobby of exclusion due to crazy prices.
I have to disagree. I don't think there's ever been a better time to get high-value & performance at a reasonable price than today. Look at the Bluenode 2i at less than $500 or a PrimaLuna Prologue Premium integrated amp new at $2,300 as some examples. Just because a high-end/ultra-high performance market exists does not mean hifi is a hobby of exclusion by any means. That's like saying that because a 2019 Porsche 911S now costs over $115K that buying cars has become something only the ultra-rich can afford.