2. misc-audio
  3. 193280-178346

What do the statistics say about the age of Audiophiles and the replacement rate?

I'm unable to verify this so I'd like some guidance.  I have a family member who is an authorized dealer of some really nice product lines (ARC, Magnepan, Sonus, Bryston).   

He won't confirm or deny my hunch, but at his shop I see mostly older white, affluent men. I see very few middle age men and no men in their 20s.  I don't keep all shop hours, but I do spend about 15 hrs./wk. there.  My relative won't show me his sales demographic but I can see with my own eyes.

So my question is this:  Is there an equivalent replacement stream of new blood entering the Audiophile world or not? Do you have statistical proof? 

If the universe of Audiophiles (supposedly 20,000 in the lower 48) is indeed shrinking where does that leave the manufacturers and dealers? 

yesiam_a_pirate

Showing 2 responses by mylogic

mylogic
125 posts
 

@carlso63

Trains, boats and Planes…..And CARS.

The last one interests me.
Funny you should compare Hi-Fi equipment with classic cars…

l have yet to hear or indeed see a Hi-Fi with wheels

mylogic
125 posts
 

@carlso63

Logic behind the comparison

 

I totally agree with your A v B formula in part 2 of your reply. I will leave the part 1 cars part carefully parked.

 

Sorry for the confusion as l was only intending to inject a little humour.
l see your points explicitly and it is similar to the UK description of ‘one man’s junk is another man’s gold’ In regard to the future this will in all likely hood be the reverse for elderly equipment or other collectibles that fall out of vogue.

 

My record and CD collection is only of value to people today, or in the future that remember and appreciate the artists or recorded material. ‘Too many people are dying’ is a line from a Mike (Moody Blues) Pinder 1970s song, and said recorded treasures may not be highly regarded or even well liked by future prospective buyers. ….Musical tastes change.
The same as future Hi-Fi reproduction (not to mention old equipment that potentially may just give up and die forever) l fear minimalist design will now take us forward. Going is the individual multi branded ‘stereo system’ of the past which are fast being replaced like the old ‘component systems’ you mentioned. The new norm will most likely be ………....streaming and music files/headphones,mobile phones and tablets.

Yes l agree those old 60s and 70s equipment in lock ups will probably die in those lock ups as when your gone….your gone, and your children will probably think it’s junk.

They probably think it’s junk already!

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