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Where is great audio going? - Headphones and Mid-Cost

I've been thinking about this for a while. If CES is any indicator, the high end audio market is shrinking.
However, music consumption is not. Where is the disparity?

In my humble opinion, it is going to headphones and mid-cost gear.

Before I go too much deeper, let me say that I feel there is a big difference between "high end" and "very expensive."  Not everyone agrees with me. If a cable costs $30K it MUST Be high end right? That's not me.

The modern audiophile is much more likely to be into headphones. Discussions about headphones, and DAC/headphone amps have incredible high participation. I'd venture to say that there are a lot more headphone audiophiles today than traditional 2 channel.

This is for a couple of reasons. Cost is a factor, but also space. You don't need much more to have a great headphone setup than your desk. To get a great stereo setup you need the space, the acoustics, and considerate neighbors. The average apartment dweller (like me, sadly) just does not have the resources to build a home, with a separate listening room. Also, we spend so much time in front of our PC's, that if we are going to enjoy music, it makes sense we optimize for it rather than a listening room.

My point I think is that we are going to have to stop looking to $50k amps to drive the high end. We have to disconnect ourselves from the idea that price = value and start thinking about our community as being able to encompass more music lovers in the way they live today.

Best,

E
erik_squires

Showing 1 response by devilboy

devilboy
1,176 posts
 
I've spent the last 22 years of my life ANALYZING music on multiple two channel systems from buying and selling equipment endlessly while losing money in the process.

I sold my expensive two channel system and replaced it with a VERY modest system. 
I've gone into the high end headphone arena and couldn't be happier.  
Why?  Because I'm ENJOYING music instead of analyzing. When I think back to those 22 years of my life and realize it's time I'll never get back, it breaks my heart. 

Just remember... At the core of our obsession is a love for music. That's why we get the stuff we do.
So, just enjoy yourselves and be grateful you were given this gift of appreciating beautiful music. I know more than a few people who have no love for music and I'm so sad for them.
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