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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 1 response by unreceivedogma

unreceivedogma's avatar
unreceivedogma
1,082 posts
 

Well, since most of this community stays in its silo, it is no wonder that you A) think highly of yourself and that therefore B) fret about your replacement value.

I have listening sessions once a week, and more than half of my guests are in their late 20s to early 30s. The experience is a revelation for them, and many come back, some regularly.

yes, one wants me to will my system and collection to him but I think that my niece is anxiously waiting for me to keel over. She is at the head of the line. She’s early 20s.

theaudioatticvinylsundays.com

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