The death of ultra hiend audio

Meaning, they can find objective data that proves they don't - and shouldn't - pay 4x more for some boutique piece of equipment that performs the same or worse than something off the shelf at Best Buy.

Re: "objective data that proves."

I won't dilate on the notion of "objective" or "proves," but just say that people buy expensive things for many reasons and objective data only helps keep some fools from being parted from their money, but not most.

There are very few things you can buy that has such poor rate of diminishing returns as audio gear, with such a poor ability to resell  For example:

Basic Car $20,000 , Premium car, $100,000 . huge jump in performance

Basic Stereo Amp $1000, Ultra Premium Amp $150,000, can a true music lover justify the performance increase, probably not. Can a wealthy audiophile, probably.

Also the average audiophile , keeps feeding into the industry buy upgrading equipment over time. Perhaps the person who has a statement system doesn't keep upgrading. they are too busy to listen to it cause they are on their boat, flying in their Lear Jet, or whatever. 

If for no other reason, people have other needs and priorities in addition to (or in place of) hi-end audio.  Everything is costing more and wages for most are stagnant.  Most likely, not everyone in the household defines “recreation” as spending tens of thousands of dollars to sit and listen to music.  They would sooner take that money on a European vacation, a sea cruise, or someone’s college tuition.  Count yourself lucky if you don’t have to compromise.  

To funny. 

I have no idea what the overall picture of the ultra high end audio industry looks like? I'm not in the industry and don't study the numbers. Is there a trade association that publishes the actual numbers and trends? My guess is, no. 
 

That makes anecdotal stories of companies failing less meaningful. As the prices of equipment continue to rise I believe the companies that will prosper are the ones who identify, and act on, the fact that more value has to be provided than just the equipment. Like it or not, these are now pure luxury items. The winning companies will be much more involved in shaping the "demonstration, delivery and set up experience". Just like, virtually, any other luxury market more care will be given to the total experience.  That doesn't mean that building state of the art of the art products isn't the priority but it's not enough.
 

Audio has been a life long obsession for me. For most of my life I pieced together my system by doing research, getting great advice from very knowledgeable mentors and trading for used equipment on audiogon! As I started looking at higher end equipment I realized I was in a position to make a more holistic change and make a significant investment in my "room". I can say that the company I landed on was CH Precision. I met the US Brand ambassador and he explained to me their philosophy. He then introduced to me to my dealer. All I can say is, I have been given a level of service that I could never have imagined- including bringing in Stirling Trayle to help set up my system.
 

Like most markets, the only constant is change. I don't care what industry you're in, successful companies must adapt and change or be left behind. Doesn't matter whether good times or bad times, there are always winners and losers.