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Back In the Day

A question for some of you old-timers -- I'm looking for info about audiophile buying habits. Prior to about 1980 were audiophiles constantly "upgrading" equipment as seems to be the current pattern. I'm talking about this in the most general sense. If Audiogon is a guide, then modern audiophiles, not all, but most seemingly churn their equipment at a very rapid pace. Just wondering if that's always been the case?
onhwy61

Showing 2 responses by jmcgrogan2

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
No. Back in the day, audiophiles spent more time listening to music and less time listening to equipment.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
The main driver is economics. Personal income has exploded in the last 30 years, so have various means of trying to siphon that money from flush individuals. Houses, autos, boats, sporting events, etc, have also enjoyed these flourishing times.
The internet and glossy rags have helped spur the market, but the main driver behind it all was Reaganomics.

Yes, if you stop listening to others telling you how wonderful the next great toy is, you won't be in such a rush to purchase it.
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