What's going on with the audio market?

Small sample size thus far but I’d venture to say you guys have "been there, done that."

I have two friends with good systems but they do not feel the need to continuously tweak/upgrade, or they may want to but spend discretionary income elsewhere.

I have other friends that come over for dinner/drinks and we end up in the music room. They love the sound but when they start asking about price they are somewhat turned off.

Telling them you got a great deal on a phone-pre at $2,750 is like telling them it was $25K...same reaction.

I have become numb to some prices and I find my price search range increases little by little each search.

37, 15, ?

I say 15 because I put a nice Sony separates system together with Pioneer 3 way speakers and Monster Cables..not bad for that age.

I would be interested to hear from any producers and or retailers of audio equipment that may have already posted or are watching this thread. I’m curious as to how much walk-in (if you have a storefront) vs. online sales (ratio only) as well as if you know the demographic or your buyers?

additionally, you’ll most likely always have the niche diehard audiophiles attention but what are you doing to reach the mainstream consumer?

Most of my friends have never heard of Pass Labs, Rogue, VPI but they certainly know McIntosh and Marantz (hell, even Crutchfield has gone all in on McIntosh.)

how do you underpin your value prop to newbies, how do you simplify the complex?

seems as though VPI has tried this with the Traveler TT and Rogue with the Sphinx. Peachtree is another that comes to mind as well as Sprout.

These are not high end items however they can serve as a gateway...

@infection ...hilarious..

Many have referenced the middle class and diminished discretionary spend. Was the middle class ever buying $1k cables, $5k preamps, $10k speakers? I'm not sure. These components and speakers are nice to haves, not need to haves. 

I see a lot of mention on threads where members are qualifying their posts by stating their profession or education (engineers, etc.) Is there a slight correlation between this demographic and the decline of these disciplines domestically? 

I do not have this type of background but I am a music lover first and I'm a definite tweaker so somehow this all works for me.

i look at the top end of products in this hobby how stereophile covers them and I feel the same about Motor Trend..great Cars that I'll never own, but I can find something that works for me..

@siddh increased attendance is great but are the delegates actually purchasing? That's the real question.