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What's going on with the audio market?

Recent retail sales reports are very bad and I am hearing that sales for audio equipment have been nonexistent over the past few months.  I also see more dealers putting items up for sale here and on other outlets.  Even items that have traditionally sold quickly here are expiring without being sold. 

To what would you attribute the slowdown?  Have you changed your buying habits for audio equipment and, if so, why? 
theothergreg

Showing 9 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
Mobile and portable devices like iPhones play music and doing quite well. 

Younger generations on don't just sit and listen to music as much anymore. 

Still plenty of of good gear on the market though.   Just not great for sellers though it sounds.  
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
Not many buying the hype anymore these days?
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 

It’s not so hard. These days that guy shoud be selling some decent Bluetooth speakers for customers like that with a cell phone looking for better sound out of a single box. Its a good first step. Does not help for the dealer to be stuck in the past requiring a separate amp and speakers and wires. Stick some tubes in the dern thing even if one must.

My local B&M stores still in business get that and do.

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 

There will always be plenty of good sounding gear to buy.  More so than ever.   Because technology and things in general move forward.   Its not as hard these days to get top notch sound as it was years ago.   Only a few still scrape and claw at every last possibility at any price.  Most people are just listening to their music and loving it.    Including old timers like me that live and learn.   I've bought into some hype and maybe even a tad of BS in years past but am better these days. 

So the days of living with old ways of the past for the industry may well be very limited but the ones that continue to truly innovate and adapt will continue to fill the market with good products that can keep most everyone happy one way or another. 

Consumers will be fine, including those seeking the best possible sound.  

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
A good example of "cheaper". Is the Bel Canto C5i integrated I picked up recently for my second system.    It has everything in one small shoebox sized package and the sound would satisfy most anyone I suspect with most any speaker used.   60 watts power is its only limitation.   It goes loud but not to real life levels some might want with less efficient speakers but loud and clear enough for most.   

It's all the hifi 99% of folks out there would ever need or want.  Nice headphone amp as well.  
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
I'll  go out on a limb and say many of those young people streaming music from phones and tablets today will be doing something similar in 20 years or so but also to a very good sounding home setup ranging from good quailty powered wireless speakers to things as good or better than anything around today depending on their goals and discretionary income. 
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
If it ain't worth it just say no and don't buy it.  🕸
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
With Brexit, now what will happen to British audio?   A buyer's market ahead?
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
Jmcg that's interesting.  I have not sold anything here in about a year.  Last I did I did get a fair price but it took a couple markdowns by me to sell.   Not huge ticket items but I could see where the pricier items around these parts could be a very tough sell. 

I have kids still going to college and several years from retirement so I know I have to watch what I spend on discretionary stuff.  
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