Getting back on topic (PLEEZE), it depends on how you define audiophile.
For traditional, two-channel stereo systems with separate components, it is probably dying.
I think the headphone scene is alive and well.
Whether we like it or not, active speaker systems are on the rise. Many people love the sound of their Sonos and entry level bluetooth speakers, and it can get better from there, as we are seeing more active speakers by major manufacturers: KEF, Focal, Klipsch, ELAC, Dynaudio, etc. Plus high end actives such as Kii and Devialet.
For traditional, two-channel stereo systems with separate components, it is probably dying.
I think the headphone scene is alive and well.
Whether we like it or not, active speaker systems are on the rise. Many people love the sound of their Sonos and entry level bluetooth speakers, and it can get better from there, as we are seeing more active speakers by major manufacturers: KEF, Focal, Klipsch, ELAC, Dynaudio, etc. Plus high end actives such as Kii and Devialet.