the viability of hi end companies


it amazes me that there are so many companies selling audio components, given the small customer base, and poor economic conditions.

obvious the marketing approach is a factor, but if one depends upon sales of components for a livelihood, i am surprised that so many companies exist.

it seems the trend is direct marketing on the internet , low overhead, and sales providing a second, rather than primary income, as the way a company can survive. it still is a surprise that so many companies sell cable, digital components, amps, preamps and speakers.

one would think that the number of such companies would be shrinking rather than expanding.

any thoughts ?
mrtennis
Nonoise, Elliot hasn't hosted a meeting in over a year. I haven't talked to him lately so I don't know what's going on with him. I have purchased gear from him in the past and he has always been very nice. I'm not very Impressed with Shelleys. They used to really cater to the 2 channel market but not anymore. At one time they carried Plinius, Audio Research, Sonus faber, Spectral and other high end brands. Now there mainstay is Mc Intosh and they are catering to the home theater crowd and custom installs.
I agree with most of what folks have put forth. Like many have expressed, including Roy, I also question the viability of high-end audio companies.

Of this list of highly-respected North American manufacturers, how many would survive were the one person in charge cease to serve in that role (retire, become incapacitated or worse) tomorrow - AtmaSphere, Audio by Van Alstine, Avalon, Ayre, Basis, BAT, Blue Circle, Canary, Coincident, Deja Vu, JPS, Lamm, Magico, Mapleshade, Merlin, Nordost, Purist Audio Designs, Quicksilver, Rockport, Rogue, Sanders Sound, Silverline, Sonist, Soundsmith, Synergistic Research, Totem, Tyler Audio, VAC, Vandersteen, VPI, Walker, YG Acoustic, and Zu.
Taters,
It's been that long? It didn't seem so when I last went to see him but I've always been bad at judging time. As for Shelly's, I'm sorry to hear they now concentrate on HT. I haven't been there in many a year but know they're still there. I bought my first major stereo gear from them. It was Rotel separates.

Looks like the internet is here to stay, which is not a bad thing.

All the best,
Nonoise