- sound quality of new hardware is much better and more affordable than it was just a few years ago (Bluesound, Sonos etc...) and they are happy
- convenience is a huge factor to most people - e.g. smart phone control
- high quality Sound bars are very affordable and now loaded with "features" and is often considered and essential add-on for the new TV
- most people do not sit down and "listen" to music anymore - it’s more for background music
- the sound quality "gap" between affordable audio systems and HEA systems today is getting smaller everyday - e.g. new class D amps seem to perform exceptionally well and are quite affordable
- HEA systems take up too much space - a dedicated room? Really?
The excellent audio stores with great listening rooms is rapidly becoming a thing of the past - so people no longer have a place where they can go an listen. (Damn you Amazon)
A/V systems, with their over processed soundtracks makes is difficult to appreciate the subtleties of live recordings that are present in 2 channel recordings. It’s all about the "effects" and not the details.
People have more disposable income these days - however, they tend to choose mid-fi components and they are not willing to research components, cables etc. anymore because most gear these days sound pretty good.
I think there will always be a niche market for HEA - there are still a few curious people out there - but from what I have observed it will be a shrinking market segment!
Regards