What's going on with the audio market?

This thread epitomizes the expression, "the more things change the more they stay the same."

Old thread but always a relevant topic.

Times of increased costs (inflation plus now massive taxes/tariffs) like year 2025 impact mainly the lower classes.  Wealthy people have the money to pay and are less affected.  Fewer items get sold and more go to wealthy people able to pay the premium cost being charged.

Tack on less fortunate people receiving low pay and fewer benefits and you get the "squeeze" that is basically driving everything in this country at present,  Luxury items like high end hifi gear are merely part of the overall situation.

My mind set these days is I would feel sinful complaining in any way about getting squeezed on luxury items like expensive hifi gear.  I am among the small fortunate % who can weather the storm pretty well.  Most people are not and the forces at play currently are only making it tougher for most.