2. amps-preamps
  3. 1403071350

High End Audio-Gaining Higher Ground?

This is a spin off from a meeting held by audio designers where the primary discussion was about high-end audio and how to get the younger generation interested & involved in high-end audio. One of the speakers mentioned that his son was not the least bit interested in his rig and if something was to happen to him, his son stated it all would be put up for sale on Ebay.

I thought it would be interesting to put this discussion forth to this audio community and to get opinions on the above subject. Are audiophiles a dying breed and what could rekindle this hobby for all new generations.
phd
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I think it is because Asians tend to place more emphasis on music in their lives. It's a matter of cultural values, IMHO. There are many Asians at American HiFi shows. Also, many in my local Philharmonic Orchestra also happen to be Asians. I do not think that music or music reproduction is on such a high scale in the American way of life.

Asians, in general, seem to place a much greater value on music and musical reproduction than Americans do. I'm ready to get hammered on this one.
truemaineiac's avatar
truemaineiac
249 posts
 
I bet Americans spend as much or more on music, going to concerts, etc as any culture but drinking is the number 1 social activity and you don't need a $50k stereo to have fun when your slamming down beer and whiskey. Now that weed is gaining legal ground maybe people will be more apt to get high and listen to pink floyd and seek better stereos like we have.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
maybe people will be more apt to get high and listen to pink floyd and seek better stereos like we have.

We can only hope! lol. Stranger things have happened...
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
In regard to standards of quality, mid-fi and hi-fi have improved since I discovered audio in the early 80's (except for speakers). So I'd have to say standards aren't lower. We tend to get more fidelity for the money.

In some cases, yes. But what I see is poorer build quality and parts quality compared to the 70s and 80s, even the 90s on low end and mid-fi gear. And that's what most people can afford, really. Also, that's what most people know about. I don't even think they know about high end audio even existing. I certainly didn't know until I was 15-16 years old back in the mid 80s.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,909 posts
 
Most people wworry more about sound quality and features, and less about "build quality".

If it sounds good and does what is needed, and lasts a long time, then that infers sufficient build quality to deliver the performance intended.

Not that build quality does not matter, but value, design and quality control matters more for most people. I have seen high end pieces built like a tank that sound great but work less reliably than similar device at Best Buy.
More to discover