2. misc-audio
  3. 1408168461

Is high-end audio dying, if not dead already???

Without sounding like the mad prophet of the airwaves, I think high-end audio is in its death throes. I would like to hear other opinions on this issue, but I think it is time to raise the question and also some hell as to what is happening to the high end audio and audio in general.

Here's why: Most of the major audio publications spend a great deal of time on romancing the "absolute" fidelity of computer audio and music that is digitally processed. On the other hand, you have critics, reviewers, celebrating the comeback of vinyl, analog, and turntables. The mantra goes: "it really does sound better, like real music", so chuck out your CD player, and buy a $5000 analog rig, and have fun again cleaning, preserving (a medium) searching record huts worldwide for pristine vinyl gems. Maybe, there are some shellac gems out there also

It seems the CD format has "OUTLIVED" its usefulness in the pursuit of the absolute sound because its technology and soft ware has never convincingly improved. It is like the BB King tune "the thrill is gone" or saying kids let's just change the channel for something more exciting and new.

High-end audio seems to now ( as the old joke goes)require a degree in engineering or rocket science to understand the circuitous (bad pun) route to audio nirvana. Equipment has gotten more expensive over the last 15 years, under the pretext that the electronic functions have increased and become more complicated. Take a look at the back of a 5 channel receiver or amp, or home theater receiver, a digital processor, etc. and you will see the future of audio. It might be easier to hook up a heart and lung machine.

Ironically, as high end audio and audio in general evolves, the music industry delivers more shit to the public's ears, Geez, I never knew that in order to really enjoy Shakira, JZ, Pharell, and the rest of the talentless trash discovered and pushed by American Idol, The Voice,and the popular Mega media, would require hearing it in absolute sound.
sunnyjim
tonywinsc
583 posts
 
+1 what Onhwy61 said. See, I can't imagine someone buying a $24k turntable; but wearing a $20 timex digital watch or driving a 20 year old Jeep. Show me someone that hard core into audio that every dime they have goes into way out there equipment. Maybe I'm wrong; but I think someone really into audio and not anything else puts his money into a Lenco tt with modified plinth and tonearm (just an example, because that person knows he will get great sound for his money and effort.
And anyone who doesn't think that their purchases define who they are is just kidding themselves.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Tonywinse, speak for your self,
Anyone who thinks their purchases define them is a complete, total and utter fool of the highest order.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"11-17-14: Tonywinsc
Hi ZD, it's true; I really do liken fine watches to high end audio :). You make generalizations and say a watch's only function is to tell time. By that same logic, a CD player's only function is to play music and most people would argue that they all sound the same."

Sorry. After reading my post again, I don't think I did a good job of explaining my point. With a watch, the subjective function of the product varies greatly per person, and per watch. That all watches tell time, is a generic function. You don't upgrade from a $50 to a $5000 watch because the expensive one keeps better time. Its for some other reason. Looks, status, whatever... (Yes, with anything, there will always be an occasional exception. A scientist may need something super accurate. That type of thing.). My CD player was meant in context of this thread, and website in general. Of course, most people will think all CD players sound the same. But not on this web site. People (here) usually don't buy an expensive CD player like they would a piece of jewellery (or watch). We want better sound for the money.

Just to clarify, an expensive watch is usually bought for aesthetix reasons alone, where as an expensive CD player, is usually bought for an increase in performance.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Schubert is absolutely right. Yes, there can be an ocassional exception, but other wise he's right.

"+1 what Onhwy61 said. See, I can't imagine someone buying a $24k turntable; but wearing a $20 timex digital watch or driving a 20 year old Jeep. Show me someone that hard core into audio that every dime they have goes into way out there equipment."

I can provide you with a very long list of people that would do just that. Myself included. But I will concede a specific point. My purchases would define me as an audiophile. I'll admit that.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
I thought that's what many audiophiles do! They have an expensive system, and drive a modest car or even a clunker! That certainly describes me!
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