The death of ultra hiend audio

@ddgtt    +1   The current trend is negativity within the audiophile community, there could be many reasons which others can speculate upon. Appreciate the technology, resources, manufacturing and the time and passion that is required to create Ultra HEA. Unfortunately we live in a "clickbait" society where the main focus is on the cost not performance level of the product.

@dayglow 

+1 on the Boulder 866!! It is fabulous !!

The reason is that, for example, you can buy a Moon 891/861 combo for 1/3 or less than the price of some of these uber high end brands and get excellent sound. The sound of these $100k plus set ups is not likely 2x to 3x  or more better.  The customers willing to pay multiples higher for improvements is limited.  There are also fewer dealers and opportunities to actually audition the uber high end equipment, and it is hard to spend multiples of money relying solely on good reviews from respected publications. Even more concerning is that one of these companies goes out of business and there is no ability to repair or warranty.

Almost all high-end audio companies either go out of business or become husks of their former selves after being acquired and drastically reorganized. 

Look at Mark Levinson. From legendary 90s powerhouse to zombie brand adrift under Harman’s corporate umbrella.

As far as their ability to repair, they might as well not exist. Try asking them to service Madrigal-era gear.

Let's flip the question around and ask what high end companies are successful and why?  Then we might really learn something.