Where Coming Back

Dayglow, looks good on paper. I suspect the masses just want more and more convenience and not too concerned with the sound quality except in a general kind of way. I am pretty sure there are a lot less audio stores today, not more, since Excaliber closed its doors in the 80s. Unless less is more. lol. The "vast improvement in small speakers" is probably not a good example for making your point with respect to the resurgence of High End Audio. In addition, if I can be so bold, CD players and Blu Ray players these days sound rather generic, lifeless and threadbare, at least off the shelf ones, just like they always used to. Lol. Maybe that explains the resurgence of vinyl.

Geoffkait-Your right there are less "brick and mortar" stores now then in the late 80's, and I do agree home theater created a small setback for 2/channel HEA. As stated before the 90's was a decade of refinement and new discoveries. I disagree that the improvement in small speakers did not help the HEA industry. Many don't have the room, finances, or WAF to accommadate a large speaker thus a high quality monitor will help keep current and attract new audiophiles.

I am with you Dayglow..... Yet, finances are the underlaying issue. Too many toys and not enough money! Back in the 80's when I started this crazy hobby, I had a lot less monthly payments. Now, internet, satellite TV, cell phones and the list goes on.....

the customer base for expensive gear is declining.

i would also suggest that the purchases, as measured in revenue, of so-called high-end gear is also declining.

therefore, the industry known as high end is one of supply exceeding demand. such is not a recipe for success.

I dunno, I go to CES and I don't see these companies hurting for the most part. Unless it's all a big tax write-off combined with smoke and mirrors.