What sense63 said!
Here is an example. I've always loved ARC gear, but I can't afford it any longer. Even used most of its quite expensive. Recently, I purchased a used Blue Circle tube preamp and solid state amp in mint condition as they were so affordable. Cheaper than many decent integrateds. I was somewhat skeptical at first. After all it's not an ARC, CJ or BAT! To my pleasant surprise, the BC gear sounds wonderful, perhaps some of the best sound I've had. Better than my old BAT gear. I had always heard of Blue Circle, but just gave it no mind as there was always enough of the "big boy's" gear available and I had the disposable income to acquire them. Now, I've become much more frugal. The resale on some of the smaller and lesser known companies' gear just doesn't hold up; good for the buyer though.
More apparently though to me anyway is the fact that most audiophiles are aging and keeping what they have. We've taken years to learn, gain experience and build our systems. Like" jond " said, we're tweaking our systems more so than replacing entire components. Secondly, I don't have to tell you the middle class is dwindling. Many of the high end companies knew this and therefore raised prices accordingly. As an example, the sales of $500.00 to $5000.00 speakers has declined while the sales of speakers over $5k has risen. Even when these are resold, not cheap. As a previous boater, I can tell you there is definitely a parallel. Heck a few years ago a middle class family could get a really decent boat for a very competitive price. Now, runabouts are priced like cruisers used to be. Exponential increases! I could ramble all night, so I'll finish by saying:
Lesson if any...let's enjoy what we have and be thankful every time we put on our favorite music to relax and unwind. Regards......
Here is an example. I've always loved ARC gear, but I can't afford it any longer. Even used most of its quite expensive. Recently, I purchased a used Blue Circle tube preamp and solid state amp in mint condition as they were so affordable. Cheaper than many decent integrateds. I was somewhat skeptical at first. After all it's not an ARC, CJ or BAT! To my pleasant surprise, the BC gear sounds wonderful, perhaps some of the best sound I've had. Better than my old BAT gear. I had always heard of Blue Circle, but just gave it no mind as there was always enough of the "big boy's" gear available and I had the disposable income to acquire them. Now, I've become much more frugal. The resale on some of the smaller and lesser known companies' gear just doesn't hold up; good for the buyer though.
More apparently though to me anyway is the fact that most audiophiles are aging and keeping what they have. We've taken years to learn, gain experience and build our systems. Like" jond " said, we're tweaking our systems more so than replacing entire components. Secondly, I don't have to tell you the middle class is dwindling. Many of the high end companies knew this and therefore raised prices accordingly. As an example, the sales of $500.00 to $5000.00 speakers has declined while the sales of speakers over $5k has risen. Even when these are resold, not cheap. As a previous boater, I can tell you there is definitely a parallel. Heck a few years ago a middle class family could get a really decent boat for a very competitive price. Now, runabouts are priced like cruisers used to be. Exponential increases! I could ramble all night, so I'll finish by saying:
Lesson if any...let's enjoy what we have and be thankful every time we put on our favorite music to relax and unwind. Regards......