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OK, Here's One For You, Industry Quantification...


So, I have a few questions aimed at attempting to quantify the industry. This is not because I am thinking about opening a store - no, I'm a very happy computer software engineer (code bone). My interest owes its due to an unfortunate audio dispute, the details of which are uninteresting other than to say, my would-be dealer argues the hi-fidelity industry is small (cottage) and, as such, does not follow the same consumer protection ethics (my word) as, say, plastic kiddie toys.

Upon hearing his claim of a small industry, I began thinking, is this true, and upon what measure would one either make or deny this claim. I came up with the following questions whose answers would be very interesting.

I am interested in hearing if anyone knows of 'official' sources to answer any of these questions or your thoughts about how to quantify the industry or how to even define it, for that matter.

1) Annual consumer spend - US, Europe, Worldwide
2) Total number of manufactures - US, Europe, Worldwide
3) Total number of publications - Monthly, Quarterly, etc.; US, Europe, Worldwide
4) Total number of distributors - US, Europe, Worldwide
5) Total number of retailers - US, Europe, Worldwide

The last point above, how to even define the market, is also very interesting. Is purchasing a $250 Pioneer receiver classified similarly to purchasing VAC monoblocks? What about a $2,000 integrated amp? How is that line drawn?

I look forward to reading a few responses!

Thanks...
Ag insider logo xs@2xcocozhou

Showing 3 responses by nrchy

nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,124 posts
 
Yes our friend Pbb is the only one of us to realize how stupid all audiophiles are and that there really is no difference between and 70's vintage Panasonic reciever and a Wolcott, VPI, or Krell stereo system. Any claim made by a company or individual is purely for the purpose of robbing the ignorant.

What's worse is that none of the retailers and/or manufacturers have a conscience or soul. None of them will stand behind any of the claims they make. Which obviously does nothing to dissuade the audiophile community from continuing to buy their gear.

It is great that he is here to enlighten us with his amassed wisdom! I wonder if he has ever heard a derogatory claim that he did not love???

Pbb if you hate everything about this industry and hobby so much, why are you here?

Cocozhou, I imagine all the information you seek is available, but not in one place or in a format that would be useful to you. This industry is too splintered and insular. There certainly isn't any governing board who would have access to info or control over claims, but that doesn't mean your questions are a waste of time, just that answers will be hard to find.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,124 posts
 
Cocozhou and Pbb the point of my thread and ridicule of Pbb has to do with the foolishness of the measurement above all crowd.

The piece you bought measured well but sounded lousy. The seller has complete responsibility to back up whatever claims he made. If you are not satisfied based on the claims of the seller you should get a full refund. You trusted someone who knew you had no governing board to hold them responsible for their claims (right or wrong) and therefore took advantage of the buyer!

It is frustrating that so many claims are unsubstantiated, but so much of "good sound" is unmeasurable.

I read into the statements made by Pbb because I have read his drivel before and find it to be at best unhelpful. I would much rather have an amp that sounded good and measured bad than the recipricol. And yes Pbb I would gladly buy an $8000 IC or speaker cable if it made an $8000 improvement. Since I cannot afford it though it shouldn't be an issue. Just because a manufacturer cannot back up his claims with measurements does not mean the product is not good, or worth the asking price.

How would one measure a Monet or Michaelangelo to determine if it was of significant quality to warrant placement in a museum?

Cocozhou who is the seller who will not stand behind his promises. Maybe he needs to be encouraged by the audiophile community!
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,124 posts
 
Pbb you have never heard anything I own. You are an idiot (and I'm not alone in that sentiment, others are just more polite, according to your own words you neighbor hates you so much he will not go in the yard while you are outside) for saying that I have no rational basis for owning what I own.

What "NUMBERS" will your art historians use to quantify the artistic value of those artists. I am not arguing that Monet and Michaelangelo are not great artists, they are some of the best to ever live. I'm arguing that there are no numbers that quantify thier work (using your logic) they must not be great artists, or there would be a numerical way to prove it.

Does that mean that if you can hear a difference in products, but that they measure the same, your ears must be wrong. Your science is in it's infancy, just like your logic and emotions!

I will continue to buy equipment based on how they sound, you can buy based on the specs. You will not change my mind and I will not change your... whatever it is you use to think?!?

Pbb, go play with your neighbor!
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