Hi end audio will never die but as the upper middle class diminishes there will be less people buying the very hi-end (expensive) gear. I believe this is why prices also keep increasing b/c there are less people buying so manufacutures have to ask more to keep their margins and stay in business. (This is just my opinion). Also these days as many before have said great unbelievable sound can be had for not huge sums of money, you start paying more and more for 1% and 2% increases in sound plus the 1" solid face plates and great aesthetics.
Compared to hi-end watches hi-end audio is but a pimple on ones butt! I know more guys that buy 20-50K watches that would never think of buying a 5K amp.
Finally if you are willing to look and buy from small unknown manufactures from other countries (i.e. Poland is just one example) that have been in business for 10-20 years already you can get sonics that rival the well know "standard" manufacturers for fractions of the price. I know I have and have not looked back!
There are still many US manufacturers that have been in business for a very long time that make gear at very realistic prices that must not be ignores, AtmaSphere gear is but one example.
(Dealer disclaimer)
Compared to hi-end watches hi-end audio is but a pimple on ones butt! I know more guys that buy 20-50K watches that would never think of buying a 5K amp.
Finally if you are willing to look and buy from small unknown manufactures from other countries (i.e. Poland is just one example) that have been in business for 10-20 years already you can get sonics that rival the well know "standard" manufacturers for fractions of the price. I know I have and have not looked back!
There are still many US manufacturers that have been in business for a very long time that make gear at very realistic prices that must not be ignores, AtmaSphere gear is but one example.
(Dealer disclaimer)