«40% Of Audiophiles Are Dying And No One Is Doing Anything About It!»


Interesting video of Jay's audio lab reflections about the audiophile world:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM2E6MxkJiY

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In my younger days I felt the need to have others share in my audiophile enthusiasm and/or share in their enthusiasm, much more social undertaking in those days. Over all those years only a single short lived conversion, and this individual no longer even bothers to have his system setup, all sitting in storage. Generally, the non audiophile comments as to how clear everything sounds, end of story. Sharing with other enthusiasts was mainly for learning experience, I purposely sought out those more knowledgeable and experienced than I.

 

On to today, I savor my time alone with a system that provides the sound quality I always dreamed of, no need for divided attention or diversion. Illusion of performers in room such that virtually no need to manufacturer the illusion. Having people over or going to concerts has become a detriment in that I get far too easily distracted by their mere presence. Wonderful music performed by talented humans played over a high performance system in one's home is an end game activity, this one of those peak experiences, very unique and irreplaceable for me. Proselytizing to the unwashed is work for the missionaries, heaven not on line for the disbelievers here.

Here is my comment to Jay...


Well Jay, appreciate your concerns. All of which are elaborated by the 809 comments before mine. That number alone tells me the situation isn't that dire. I'm in my eighties and started out with a crystal radio and an amateur license. I'm reminded our musical beginnings that were very social and included dancing to the music with our girls.  Even from those scratchy little AM radios. Now have a silver cabled, low six figure system. Wilson, dCS, C-J, Shunyata, etc. Nobody really cares and that's okay. I really enjoy it but don't stare at the wall... I always read while listening and my wall is glass looking out at a small lake. The smartest thing I've read on this topic was by an intuitive fellow who suggested there is no lack of interest in music now but that how it's enjoyed will change. It will be different than our big boxes and tubes. Younger folks will decide how they consume their passion and in total, the same approximate but small percentage of them will be fascinated with a desire for extreme realism from their media. And they will come our way but differently. Perhaps it will look a lot like the great French manufacture Devialet with their advanced electronic, audio and styling concepts. Just stay tuned. All good.

 

My theory is that guys like gear. Period. Maybe in this country “Audiophiles” are shrinking but not in Japan, Europe and other spots on mother earth. 

I got the bug early on. My Dad had (fifty plus years back) big Tanny's, Mac 275/Mac Pre, a tuner and a nice TT. When he moved out my Mom gave it away but not to me. I have been trying to get "back there" ever since. Point is besides limited TV most in this age band had music/hifi so naturally many here are aging out audiophiles. Who would have dreamed of an iPhone? I plan to go out with the last notes of  "Blue Rondo à la Turk" by Dave Brubeck Quartet At Carnegie Hall.

Our descendants will inherit our systems and wonder where it has been all their live, when it was at Grandpa's house all along.

Perhaps unintentional but I found this thread one of the most enlightening ever posted on this forum. I was amazed by how many post were relatable to my situation. I have no idea what my wife will do with my system when I get unplugged however I plan to enjoy it everyday until my batteries expire.