OK, Here's One For You, Industry Quantification...



So, I have a few questions aimed at attempting to quantify the industry. This is not because I am thinking about opening a store - no, I'm a very happy computer software engineer (code bone). My interest owes its due to an unfortunate audio dispute, the details of which are uninteresting other than to say, my would-be dealer argues the hi-fidelity industry is small (cottage) and, as such, does not follow the same consumer protection ethics (my word) as, say, plastic kiddie toys.

Upon hearing his claim of a small industry, I began thinking, is this true, and upon what measure would one either make or deny this claim. I came up with the following questions whose answers would be very interesting.

I am interested in hearing if anyone knows of 'official' sources to answer any of these questions or your thoughts about how to quantify the industry or how to even define it, for that matter.

1) Annual consumer spend - US, Europe, Worldwide
2) Total number of manufactures - US, Europe, Worldwide
3) Total number of publications - Monthly, Quarterly, etc.; US, Europe, Worldwide
4) Total number of distributors - US, Europe, Worldwide
5) Total number of retailers - US, Europe, Worldwide

The last point above, how to even define the market, is also very interesting. Is purchasing a $250 Pioneer receiver classified similarly to purchasing VAC monoblocks? What about a $2,000 integrated amp? How is that line drawn?

I look forward to reading a few responses!

Thanks...
cocozhou

Showing 1 response by dweller

Isn't there something like "The Academy for the Advancement of Hi-end Audio"?
I believe the movers-and-shakers formed this about 8-10 years ago.
They should be the ones to contact for this type of info.