The death of ultra hiend audio

I think people worry too much about things they don’t truly underdstand.

 

”Can you believe Chuck’s Buggy Whips” closed the other day? The transportation industry is going to hell. Said someone in the year 1900.

 

“Gertrude, no one is having their radios repaired, the music and news industries will never survive. Said someone in 1939.

 

“What the hell are all of these radio operators we trained to win a world war going to do to make a living?” Said someone in 1946.

 

Music today is not wholesome” said someone in 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975….

 

“The transistor will kill the vacuum tube” said someone at Bell Labs in 1947.

 

“Bozak is going under???

”Altec is being absorbed by whom”

”Bose is a joke” said every employee EVER of McIntosh Labs …. until a few weeks ago.

 

Folks, many industries are zero sum games, plus or minus, unless innovation explodes a segment. For every company that goes down, there are new people/companies to fill the void. Nelson Pass worked for and with several companies that went under but out of the ashes you get companies like Pass Labs and Coda sprout in the aftermath.

 

The hifi industry has never been stronger but where is it written that once someone starts a company they are entitled to survive? Oh, and all the commentary about Covid killing the audio business is 180 degrees from what actually happened. EVERY industry had companies fail and thrive during Covid. Every well led dealer and Hifi company THRIVED during Covid. Those that are failing today made the mistakes during the PEAK of the hifi industry; 2021-2024.

 

Think about it for a second….MBL goes under, everyone wrings their hands but no one was bjuying. Devore developed multi month backlogs and still do. People shed a tear that Mark Levinso fell hard and the corpse was save from oblivian by other companies. Krell is inlikely to ever thrive again and yet, D’Agostino seems to be doing fine. HH Scott went down while Audio Research thrived. Audio Research slid, was purchased by private equity and then offloaded to a group trying to make a go.

 

Lack of business skills, working capital, engineering talent evolving to engineering brain drain…business come and go. I’ll bet that on the restaurant owners forums that non restaurant owners troll the group with questions like “ Joe’s Bacon Fat Ice Cream Company” closed the other day…does this spell the end of the ice cream industry? Newspaper are over, the news business is not.

 

Some of the commentary here tips the hand that many here have tremendous business accumen while other comments reaffirm the absence of same. I recall vividly the result of a poll some years ago that of the many thousands who were asked the question, “Do you believe your social/financial status is below average, average or above average?”…. I think the number was someling like 75% of the respondents answered “above average”. Kindof not possible huh?

 

The high end will be fine, some will prosper while others will not. Same as any other industry.

 

Horse beaten…

it seems that the most pressing issue for many audiophiles  is how other people choose to spend their money, 

Only Verity closed 

MBS and DartZeel are open.

Have you attended any shows and seen the increased presence from China?

 

As per the current market study, out of 13899.4 Million USD global market revenue 2025, North America market holds 31.75% of the market share. The North America Hi Fi Audio industry grew from 3651.39 Million USD in 2021 to 4412.92 Million USD in 2025 and will record 82.74% growth. In coming future this industry will reach 6448.1 Million by 2033 with a 4.855% CAGR. If we look at the percentage market shares of top North America countries for 2025,United States (78.30%), Canada (13.80%), Mexico (7.90%)

Europe Hi Fi Audio Market Analysis

As per the current market study, out of 13899.4 Million USD global market revenue 2025, Europe market holds 23.19% of the market share. The Europe Hi Fi Audio industry grew from 2608.14 Million USD in 2021 to 3223.41 Million USD in 2025 and will record 80.91% growth. In coming future this industry will reach 4955.62 Million by 2033 with a 5.523% CAGR. If we look at the percentage market shares of top Europe countries for 2025,United Kingdom (15.60%), Germany (18.70%), France (13.40%), Italy (10.52%), Russia (8.65%), Spain (8.30%), Sweden (2.08%), Denmark (1.47%), Switzerland (2.11%), Luxembourg (1.83%), Rest of Europe (17.34%)

Asia Pacific Hi Fi Audio Market Analysis

As per the current market study, out of 13899.4 Million USD global market revenue 2025, Asia Pacific market holds 30.20% of the market share. The Asia Pacific Hi Fi Audio industry grew from 3254.5 Million USD in 2021 to 4198.04 Million USD in 2025 and will record 77.52% growth. In coming future this industry will reach 6834.01 Million by 2033 with a 6.281% CAGR. If we look at the percentage market shares of top Asia Pacific countries for 2025,China (33.90%), Japan (18.60%), India (18.20%), South Korea (7.70%), Australia (4.56%), Singapore (2.62%), South East Asia (5.22%), Taiwan (2.32%)

South America Hi Fi Audio Market Analysis

As per the current market study, out of 13899.4 Million USD global market revenue 2025, South America market holds 5.22% of the market share. The South America Hi Fi Audio industry grew from 657.705 Million USD in 2021 to 724.993 Million USD in 2025 and will record 90.72% growth. In coming future this industry will reach 885.836 Million by 2033 with a 2.536% CAGR. If we look at the percentage market shares of top South America countries for 2025,Brazil (35.90%), Argentina (18.50%), Colombia (9.45%), Peru (6.77%), Chile (4.76%), Rest of South America (24.62%)

Middle East Hi Fi Audio Market Analysis

As per the current market study, out of 13899.4 Million USD global market revenue 2025, Middle East market holds 4.96% of the market share. The Middle East Hi Fi Audio industry grew from 601.006 Million USD in 2021 to 690.105 Million USD in 2025 and will record 87.09% growth. In coming future this industry will reach 916.742 Million by 2033 with a 3.614% CAGR. If we look at the percentage market shares of top Middle East countries for 2025,Saudi Arabia (38.30%), Turkey (14.51%), UAE (11.40%), Egypt (9.35%), Qatar (8.04%), Rest of Middle East (18.41%)

Africa Hi Fi Audio Market Analysis

As per the current market study, out of 13899.4 Million USD global market revenue 2025, Africa market holds 4.68% of the market share. The Africa Hi Fi Audio industry grew from 566.987 Million USD in 2021 to 649.936 Million USD in 2025 and will record 87.24% growth. In coming future this industry will reach 842.191 Million by 2033 with a 3.292% CAGR. If we look at the percentage market shares of top Africa countries for 2025,Nigeria (19.43%), South Africa (44.61%), Rest of Africa (35.96%)

 

	2021	2025	2033	CAGR
Global Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 11339.7 Million	$ 13899.4 Million	$ 20882.5 Million	5.22%
North America Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 3651.39 Million	$ 4412.92 Million	$ 6448.1 Million	4.855%
United States Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 2873.65 Million	$ 3455.27 Million	$ 5016.49 Million	4.771%
Canada Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 492.938 Million	$ 609.027 Million	$ 915.759 Million	5.231%
Mexico Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 284.809 Million	$ 348.621 Million	$ 515.848 Million	5.02%
Europe Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 2608.14 Million	$ 3223.41 Million	$ 4955.62 Million	5.523%
United Kingdom Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 412.086 Million	$ 502.787 Million	$ 753.057 Million	5.179%
Germany Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 479.898 Million	$ 602.842 Million	$ 951.678 Million	5.873%
France Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 357.315 Million	$ 431.872 Million	$ 653.944 Million	5.323%
Italy Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 271.246 Million	$ 339.167 Million	$ 532.432 Million	5.799%
Russia Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 224.3 Million	$ 278.889 Million	$ 431.338 Million	5.602%
Spain Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 203.435 Million	$ 267.607 Million	$ 415.975 Million	5.669%
Sweden Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 54.771 Million	$ 66.982 Million	$ 101.392 Million	5.319%
Denmark Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 39.122 Million	$ 47.32 Million	$ 71.163 Million	5.233%
Switzerland Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 56.075 Million	$ 67.949 Million	$ 102.879 Million	5.322%
Luxembourg Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 46.946 Million	$ 59.053 Million	$ 91.382 Million	5.609%
Rest of Europe Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 462.945 Million	$ 558.939 Million	$ 850.385 Million	5.386%
Asia Pacific Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 3254.5 Million	$ 4198.04 Million	$ 6834.01 Million	6.281%
China Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 1080.49 Million	$ 1423.26 Million	$ 2371.81 Million	6.592%
Japan Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 608.592 Million	$ 780.709 Million	$ 1257.05 Million	6.135%
India Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 563.029 Million	$ 764.168 Million	$ 1298.87 Million	6.856%
South Korea Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 276.633 Million	$ 323.123 Million	$ 491.638 Million	5.386%
Australia Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 146.453 Million	$ 191.556 Million	$ 316.825 Million	6.492%
Singapore Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 86.57 Million	$ 109.863 Million	$ 176.591 Million	6.112%
South East Asia Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 172.489 Million	$ 219.012 Million	$ 348.124 Million	5.964%
Taiwan Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 78.108 Million	$ 97.268 Million	$ 149.938 Million	5.558%
South America Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 657.705 Million	$ 724.993 Million	$ 885.836 Million	2.536%
Brazil Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 233.485 Million	$ 260.301 Million	$ 320.743 Million	2.644%
Argentina Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 120.36 Million	$ 134.153 Million	$ 164.836 Million	2.608%
Colombia Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 62.482 Million	$ 68.509 Million	$ 82.787 Million	2.395%
Peru Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 45.382 Million	$ 49.053 Million	$ 58.837 Million	2.299%
Chile Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 32.228 Million	$ 34.481 Million	$ 41.829 Million	2.444%
Rest of South America Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 163.768 Million	$ 178.496 Million	$ 216.803 Million	2.46%
Middle East Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 601.006 Million	$ 690.105 Million	$ 916.742 Million	3.614%
Saudi Arabia Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 231.387 Million	$ 264.276 Million	$ 348.178 Million	3.507%
Turkey Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 85.944 Million	$ 100.1 Million	$ 137.603 Million	4.058%
UAE Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 67.313 Million	$ 78.706 Million	$ 107.35 Million	3.956%
Egypt Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 56.495 Million	$ 64.559 Million	$ 85.44 Million	3.565%
Qatar Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 48.681 Million	$ 55.45 Million	$ 73.339 Million	3.557%
Rest of Middle East Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 111.186 Million	$ 127.014 Million	$ 164.83 Million	3.311%
Africa Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 566.987 Million	$ 649.936 Million	$ 842.191 Million	3.292%
Nigeria Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 110.562 Million	$ 126.309 Million	$ 163.031 Million	3.242%
South Africa Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 251.742 Million	$ 289.91 Million	$ 378.245 Million	3.381%
Rest of Africa Hi Fi Audio Market Sales Revenue	$ 204.682 Million	$ 233.717 Million	$ 300.915 Million	3.209%

 

 

Hi Fi Audio Market Report Description

At Cognitive, Kalyani Raje and team has published a 8th edition of Hi Fi Audio Market Report 2025. It provides qualitative and quantitative data along with the reprot access we provide market consulting services. 

Hi Fi Audio Market Size

Hi Fi Audio Industry Dynamics

Market Drivers: The Hi Fi Audio industry is driven by multiple factors contributing to its growth. This section provides a detailed qualitative analysis of these drivers, enabling logical reasoning for market growth predictions

Market Restraints: This section examines the factors hindering the growth of the Hi Fi Audio market. These factors negatively impact market growth. Common restraints in the Electronics & Electrical industry include:

- Strict government regulations
- Supply chain disruptions
- Changing consumer preferences The COVID-19 outbreak's negative impact on the market is also discussed in detail in the final deliverable report. Analyzing restraining factors helps companies develop strategies to mitigate their negative effects.

Market Growth Opportunities: The Hi Fi Audio market presents opportunities for manufacturers to leverage growth. These opportunities open a growth window for new entrants and existing manufacturers, enabling them to capitalize on untapped potential.

Current Market Trends: Understanding current market trends is crucial for R&D departments, as it reveals the current market scenario, consumer choices, and pivot points. To access this valuable information, please refer to the paid version of the report.

We have various report editions of Hi Fi Audio Market, hence please contact our sales team and author directly to obtain/purchase a desired Edition eg, Global Edition, Regional Edition, Country Specific Report Edition, Company Profiles, Forecast Edition, etc.  Request for your Free Sample PDF/Online Access.

Imapct of Trumph Tariff on Electronics and Electrical Industry

In 2025, global trade has entered a period of renewed volatility as the U.S., under President Donald Trump, introduced sweeping tariffs known as the Liberation Day Tariffs. Aimed at addressing trade imbalances and foreign supply chain dominance, the tariffs range from 10% on allies like Australia and the UK to 46% on Vietnamese goods and 34% on Chinese imports. A 25% universal tariff on steel, aluminum, and auto parts has further strained global trade ties. The electronics sector is among the hardest hit, particularly due to the escalating U.S.China trade war. Tariffs on Chinese goods now reach up to 145% in sectors like semiconductors and consumer electronics, while China has retaliated with up to 125% duties and restrictions on critical mineral exports. This has disrupted just-in-time supply chains and increased component costs.

Specific tariffs include 25% on semiconductors, 20% on lithium-ion batteries, and 10–15% on consumer electronics like laptops and tablets, leading to higher retail prices and reduced consumer demand. Sub-sectors such as home automation, computer hardware, communication electronics, medical devices, and industrial electronics are all under pressure due to rising input costs and supply chain delays. Companies are revisiting suppliers, shifting sourcing to countries like India, Mexico, and Vietnam, and redesigning products to avoid high-tariff components.

China remains a key player, contributing USD 119 billion in electronics exports to the U.S. in 2023. Even components routed through countries like Malaysia and Vietnam often rely on Chinese subparts, making the ripple effect of tariffs widespread. U.S. electronics firms operating on thin margins are seeing input costs rise 18–25%, with contract manufacturers in alternative regions facing capacity constraints.

Market research is now critical. It helps companies identify new suppliers, analyze cost trends, optimize product design, forecast demand shifts, and track regulatory changes. Tools like supplier mapping, BOM optimization, and scenario planning support strategic responses to ongoing disruptions. Leading firms like Apple and Dell are expanding production outside China, while others invest in digital supply chain tools and redesign products for cost resilience. In this evolving trade environment, firms that leverage research-driven strategies are better positioned to adapt and thrive.

Top Companies in Hi Fi Audio Market

Competitors Analysis is a crucial aspect for manufacturers of Hi Fi Audio to understand how their competitors are performing in the market. Our report provides a comprehensive analysis of top manufacturers, including their ranking, market share, financial performance over the last four years, product analysis, and SWOT analysis.

The report also includes detailed company profiling, which is an essential part of our deliverable. Furthermore, we provide insights into key developments such as new product launches, expansions, mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, agreements, joint ventures, business overviews, key strategies, and financial analyses associated with key players. This information is available in the paid report version.

Our research analysts and industry experts also discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the Hi Fi Audio market and the strategies implemented by manufacturers to mitigate the pandemic's effects. To learn more, you can book an appointment with our analyst or call us directly.

Top Companies Market Share in Hi Fi Audio Industry: (In no particular order of Rank)

• Sony Corporation
• Bowers & Wilkins
• Bose Corporation
• Harman International
• Sennheiser Electronic GmbH
• Bang & Olufsen
• Others
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*List of Second Tier Companies, List of Third Tier/ Start-up Companies (Inquire with sales executive) Request Any Company Profile for Preview Purpose OR Data Validation!

If any Company(ies) of your interest has/have not been disclosed in the above list then please let us know the same so that we will check the data availability in our database and provide you the confirmation or include it in the final deliverables.

Hi Fi Audio Market Regional Analysis

On the basis of Geographical Split we have analysed the said market on Global Level, ^ majaor Regions and Top perfromaing countries.

The market estimations and forecasts presented in this report are based on a thorough analysis of trends and growth rates, with 2024 serving as the base year. To facilitate a deeper understanding of our conclusions, the report incorporates a range of visual aids, including figures, graphs, pie charts, tables, and bar graphs. These illustrations provide a detailed analysis of current trends at the country and regional levels.

This comprehensive research report also examines key factors influencing the Hi Fi Audio market, such as profitability, product pricing, capacity, production, supply and demand dynamics, and market growth rates. By assessing these critical factors, the report provides a clear and authoritative outlook on the future prospects of the Hi Fi Audio market.

 

The current report Scope analyzes Hi Fi Audio Market on 6 major region Split (In case you wish to acquire a specific region edition (more granular data) or any country Edition data then please write us on info@cognitivemarketresearch.com

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Rest of Europe)
• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, South East Asia, Rest of APAC)
• Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Rest of South America)
• Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Rest of Middle East)
• Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of Africa)

 

Hi Fi Audio Market Share (%) by Country                                        2021202220232024202520262027202820292030203120322033                                    

Hi Fi Audio Market Share (%) by Region (2021-2033)

The above graph is for illustrative purposes only.

To learn more about geographical trends request the free sample pages.

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Hi Fi Audio Market Analysis

Global Hi Fi Audio Market Report 2025 Edition talks about crucial market insights with the help of segments and sub-segments analysis. In this section, we reveal an in-depth analysis of the key factors influencing Hi Fi Audio Industry growth. Hi Fi Audio market has been segmented with the help of its Product Type, Connectivity End User, and others. Hi Fi Audio market analysis helps to understand key industry segments, and their global, regional, and country-level insights. Furthermore, this analysis also provides information pertaining to segments that are going to be most lucrative in the near future and their expected growth rate and future market opportunities. The report also provides detailed insights into factors responsible for the positive or negative growth of each industry segment.

Product Type Segment Analysis of Hi Fi Audio Market

In terms of market segmentation split by Product Type we have analyzed Speakers, Amplifiers, Network Audio Players, Turntables, CD Players, Headphones & Earphones, Soundbars, Others on the basis of key leading segment revenue and share along with reasons behind its dominance across the global as well as region level. Additionally, we have also incorporated revenue and Y-O-Y growth of each segment with detailed qualitative analysis.

Product Type of Hi Fi Audio analyzed in this report are as follows:

• Speakers
• Amplifiers
• Network Audio Players
• Turntables
• CD Players
• Headphones & Earphones
• Soundbars
• Others

 

Hi Fi Audio Market Share (%) by Product Type in 2021-2033

The above Chart is for representative purposes and does not depict actual sale statistics. Access/Request the quantitative data to understand the trends and dominating segment of Hi Fi Audio Industry. Request a Free Sample PDF!

Connectivity Segment Analysis of Hi Fi Audio Market

Market segmentation based on Connectivity explains not only the historical market size/share data of Wired, Wireless but also the forecasted revenue growth. This will also help to analyze the demand for Hi Fi Audio across different end-use industries. Our research team will also help acquire additional data such as Value Chain, Patent analysis, Company Evaluation Quadrant (Matrix), and much more confidential analysis and data insights.

Some of the key Connectivity of Hi Fi Audio are:

• Wired
• Wireless

 

Hi Fi Audio Market Share (%) by Connectivity in 2021-2033

2021

2025

2033

The above Graph is for representation purposes only. This chart does not depict actual Market share.

To learn more about market share request the free sample pages.

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Hi Fi Audio End User Segment Analysis

• Residential/Personal Use
• Commercial Use

Hi Fi Audio Distribution Channel Segment Analysis

• Online
• Offline

Hi Fi Audio Price Range Segment Analysis

• Entry-Level Hi-Fi
• Mid-Range Hi-Fi
• Premium/High-End Hi-Fi

Hi Fi Audio Amplification Type Segment Analysis

• Class A
• Class AB
• Class D
• Others

The base years considered for all the estimations by analyzing trends and growth rate will help you gain an in-depth understanding of the conclusions provided in this report. This report also includes figures, graphs, pie charts, tables and bar graphs that explain the data analysis based on current trends at the country level as well as key regions. This research report also focuses on assessing factors such as profit, product price, capacity, production, supply demand market growth rate along with others to create a clear picture on the future prospects of this market. 

Author's Conclusion

 

Our study will explain complete manufacturing process along with major raw materials required to manufacture end-product. This report helps to make effective decisions determining product position and will assist you to understand opportunities and threats around the globe.

 

The Global Hi Fi Audio Market is witnessing significant growth in the near future.

In 2023, the Speakers segment accounted for noticeable share of global Hi Fi Audio Market and is projected to experience significant growth in the near future.

The Wired segment is expected to expand at the significant CAGR retaining position throughout the forecast period.

Some of the key companies Sony Corporation , Bose Corporation and others are focusing on its strategy building model to strengthen its product portfolio and expand its business in the global market.

Author's Detail

Kalyani Raje

Senior Research Analyst at Cognitive Market Research

LinkedIn

Profile

ResearchGate Profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kalyani-Raje

An optimistic Senior Research Analyst with years of experience in competitive assessment and business consulting. A seasoned professional and subject-matter expert (SME) in the Automobile and transportation vertical.

Bio : 

With a work experience of over 10+ years in the market research and strategy development. I have worked with diverse industries, including FMCG, IT, Telecom, Automotive, Electronics and many others. I also work closely with other departments such as sales, product development, and marketing to understand customer needs and preferences, and develop strategies to meet those needs.

I am committed to staying ahead in the rapidly evolving field of research and analysis. This involves regularly attending conferences, participating in webinars, and pursuing additional certifications to enhance my skill set. I played a crucial role in conducting market research and competitive analysis. I have a proven track record of distilling complex datasets into clear, concise reports that have guided key business initiatives. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, I contributed to the development of innovative solutions grounded in thorough research and analysis.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Hi Fi Audiomarket size and its growth rate has been provided in the report. The historical period included in the report is from 2021 to 2024, whereas, the report provides forecast data for the years 2025 to 2033. This will help you to in terms of global market share, regional market share, country level market share to understand how the market has been performing in the past and how it is going to perform in the following years. Correspondingly, historical and forecast analysis comprises sales and revenue data of the global Hi Fi Audiomarket. Market size for UK, Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa is also included in the report. 

 

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Navigation

• Key Insights
• Market Drivers & Restrains
• Company Analysis
• Product Type Analysis
• Connectivity Analysis
• Regional Analysis
• End User Segment Analysis
• Distribution Channel Segment Analysis
• Price Range Segment Analysis
• Amplification Type Segment Analysis
• Conclusion
• FAQ

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I feel confident that if the increasing sales data, was supported by Origins of Products sold. The Countries with increasing sales will have a secondary data, which shows sales made to produce the figures are a large volume of imported items.

It could be strongly suggested the Imported Items are quite different in their purchase costs in comparison to home produced designs, where either is a design  that functions in a very similar way.

Imported Items being acquired direct from a Producer, outside of audio dealer networks are cheaper to buy into / substantially cheaper to buy into. This when known as an option for purchasing, can only be an encouragement for individuals to spend. How many of these sales are captured in the sales data being presented? 

I know individuals who have received imported individual audio items, sent direct from the Producer, without their being directed to the Countries Sole Importer of the products. This has proven to be very satisfying for the buyer, as a cost saving for a purchase method. What this means in monies, is that the buyer has saved 30%-50% on their other options purchase price, especially when compared to the Sole Importers asking price. Take this a little further and in relation to a home produced design that is suggested to be a competitor/equivalent performer, 150% - 300% is saved in outlaid monies as the minimum.    

Imported Items with Sole Import arrangements with Dealer Networks, creates an outcome where selected designs, are able to be presented by a Organisation as being a competitor to home produced Hi End Audio. Follow Up media coverage of devices usually puts a substantiation to such claims in place.

An initial cost of an Imported audio device to the Dealer Networks is quite an attractive bottom line. The arrangements made on supply prices,  leaves substantial wriggle room for appreciating the retail value of a audio device.

Pricing can become one where a substantially marked up in price Imported Device, is as a cost to a buyer, a cheaper device, than an equivalent home produced audio device is able to be purchased for from the producer by the Audio Dealership.

The above is an obvious reason why Imported audio devices have become household names, there has been substantial efforts made by homegrown businesses (not foreign businesses) to get audio products that are very viable as a sale item extensive exposure in places where purchases are being considered.  

The Dealership will be very quick to point out where their chosen Import Devices have attraction over home produced alternatives.

I don't see how a Business producing products on their home soil are able to contend with such retail costing being created by competitors buying into much cheaper items. Hence, home grown businesses are out sourcing production to foreign lands, which is very common and not only limited to audio. Where Items for sale are not produced on home ground, but sold as home land produced.

The Dealership can be one with a small overhead (I know these types and have a knowledge of a Mark Up used and what that means to the business) and a few sales closed won of a particular device with their full mark up, will enable their overhead to be fully covered, additional sales within the trading year are icing and cherries on their cake. Visit these dealerships at certain times in the year and see demo' models at 50% - 70% off, where the Dealership is still being remunerated and also receive a reasonable Mark Up on their spent monies. 

What really matters is that audio is still of interest to individuals and the interest is enough to encourage spending on audio devices.

This being keen to spend is able to be seen as a result of marketing data.

The Data is timely, as the common suggestion usually seen used, is that the enthusiasm for the interest in using a dedicated audio equipment to replay recorded music, is now at the place of being the embers of the fire.

There is substantial monies being made by certain Businesses, as a result of affordable pricing due to high volume sales. Not high Mark Up for the pricing on low volume sale items. 

I have witnessed Imported audio items present their capabilities extremely well.

A few of the same above imported audio items, I have experienced in use, following simplistic modifications, where the change of design has produced a device that is an unashamed competitor to other devices it is in comparison to. 

Producers of such imported devices that have their ears open to what is going on in and around their exported products will have been able to see very valuable free R&D is done for them and the details are easily accessible. These Producers may even consider to have a well respected audio designer, commission design a model to be produced. Many household name Companies known today, had their earliest devices produced / co-produced by using the commission design / build method.

Certain Businesses / Brands that Export their products, are destined to get to a place, where their name is household and their products are always a consideration on a shortlist. If a shortlist has a particular budget constraint, the products will most likely be on the Top Line.

Regardless of my financial capability, I will always be the frugal audiophile.  Same holds true for my other passion, guitar/bass playing.  I generally buy high quality used gear in both categories.  I am smack in the middle of boomer land.  I worked in a nice family owned electronics store in the 1970s and, between that and my earlier tube amp kit / speaker building hobby, I became an audiophile for life.  While at the store, I made a whopping $90 per week take home, plus some bonuses for targeted products.  A Pioneer SX-727 sold fair trade for $300 at that time.  Mid fi was over twice my $125 monthly rent!  Fast forward to now.  I have two systems anchored by either Altec 604 or Magnepans with appropriate (except digital sources) vintage electronics to feed them.  Went on a road trip with an audio friend to an Atlanta high end store.  Listened to the very same Dave Grusin track I heard at home the night before on a system priced at $250k (McIntosh + Sonus Faber + Lumin), and left the store thinking my ragtag stuff was, to my ears, equally enjoyable even if not remotely capable of producing the same SPL.  So that's comment 1.  The second point is, back in that SX-727 timeframe, music, and especially new music, the latest LP from a favorite artist, was a reason to gather together with friends to enjoy together.  That was one of the reasons folks wanted a shareable system vs today's portables.  Yesterday's portables were the walkman, Discman, ipod, etc, but they were accessories to extend the home system, not replace it.  But, things change.  And us boomers think (know) we had the best music ever.  How does this relate to the original topic?  Well, the other thing that has happened  to audio gear is the scale of diminishing returns has also changed.  While the ultra high end will always be better, the distance between it and high end that is affordable for many is a lot closer than it used to be.  And if the boomers are the life support for what's left of the high end market, it will continue to shrink.