Encouraging people to consider a traditional 2 channel stereo system.

30 years ago, elderly schmos endlessly deplored the "kids" lack of interest in cars. 

What they really meant was that no one under the age of 100 gave a crap about $200,000 faux-Foose hot rods being driven 100 miles a year to cars and coffees and small-town parades.

Meanwhile, the kids were happily swapping, tuning and turbocharging all manner of humble Civics. But those aren’t real cars, you see! Rings a bell?

@yakbob 100%

It is surprising how many have never really heard an even low cost (under $1000 new/ half of that used) but good 2 channel system...

The “what” is easy - expose them to the higher sonics of a well sorted high-end audio chain.

It’s the “how” that’s difficult.

IEMs, headphones, streaming ….

There’s also a very high-end head-fi audio market like in Headfonics or Headfonia

You list IEMs, headphones and streaming as if they’re not valid ways of listening to, and enjoying music. The forums and media catering to these users have just as much enthusiasm and passion as those here using traditional systems, while generally being more open to others opinions and understanding that we all hear things differently. 

What can we learn from them?

The kids are alright.

Shared passion within narrow community, mostly dead passion at this level.

The world moves on from china and flatware setting for 10 people regularly given to newlyweds and  silver tea trolleys adorning posh homes.  New Asian podments usually do not have a kitchen, they eat exclusively on the street.  

Prized possessions no longer prized by next generation.  And does it really matter what most listen through?  So much really is disposable material.  We enjoy for our sakes and ignore the rest.  Cheers

@tomcarr I would argue that music is not a niche hobby, listening to music also isn't and that is just one step away from listening in decent quality

I have one friend who has a nice 2-channel system, but he also works at a high-end store.

None of my other friends or family have any interest in high performance 2-channel gear. 

This is (and always has been) a niche hobby. No different than other niche hobbies that attract a few followers, but offer no interest to the vast majority.

My interests are the stereo, cars, and lawn & garden.

I have 3 adult children. I gave two of them vintage rigs consisting of Marantz, Klipsch, and Bluesound streamer. The other a Sansui receiver , Klipsch Heresy’s and a Schiit DAC. The third has a full Sonos surround, so I bought her an automatic TT. So as mentioned above share the wealth. Find some deserving teens that would value ownership and invest in them. Where I live there are Zero brick and mortar stores, but I’ve built my system with Rogue, Schiit, Zu, Tekton, Richard Gray, Mike Morrow and Dennis Had. I buy vintage tubes from Arizona tube supply and Brent Jesse and there’s also Vintage Tube supply. So I try to support American manufacturers. No politics just trying to share the love. Respectfully, Mike B. 

There are 10s of thousands (if not 100s of thousands) of valuable used gear lying around and literally dying with all these wealthy old people. Start giving it away or selling it for a very low price to young people who care. I am neither old nor wealthy but I don’t keep anything I don’t use, I give it away. 

Lenny Florentine regularly posts videos with warehouses with thousands of vintage amps and receivers in impeccable shape. No one ever will use it, I am afraid, it's such a waste. 

I suppose invite youngsters over, directly or indirectly. I guess, by that I mean under 30 years old.

When I was in that age group I remember a couple of experiences of being over an someones house (by accident) with a truly great stereo. The sound stuck in my mind... typically it looked incredible as well... Marantz with the oscilloscope (I was on my way to becoming a scientist... so that was wonderfully tech).

Let them be. We become a nuisance doing that. Because people do not have the luxury of space to use, they don't live where that is ideal or they want the binaural nature of headphones and IEMs.

I have speakers and IEMs and they both serve their purposes. I didn't have the space for speakers so I didn't get any till last year when I moved into my new space. So let people be. Only thing they're truly missing out on is the psychoacoustic phenomenon of staging in front of them. But they'd trade that for no  room issues which is more than 50% of what to look out for when using speakers 

No use trying to convert anyone, they either get it or they don't (care).

Most people today look for quantity over quality and convenience in a small package. They don't want a stack of components wired together.

I am at peace knowing that my system is for my enjoyment, and no longer care if anyone else thinks Im nuts.  I do still love it when someone gets blown away by it, but that is usually not going to convert them. Different strokes for different folk, and I think we can all agree that  "audiophiles " are different folks.