Not necessarily.
In 1978, ~ $600 would buy you a decent entry level system new (receiver, speakers, turntable and cart).
YOu can walk into Best Buy today and get an entry level 2 channel system with multi format DVD or even blu ray player for probably about that or perhaps a tad more maybe, but certainly not much more adjusted for inflation.
On the other extreme, there are more boutique brands that cater to rich people out there today as well and these systems WILL cost you way more than anybody could ever imagine back in 1978.
Then there is everything in between + more ease than ever buying used so all in all you are way better off soundwise today than ever before. Hooray for progress!
In 1978, ~ $600 would buy you a decent entry level system new (receiver, speakers, turntable and cart).
YOu can walk into Best Buy today and get an entry level 2 channel system with multi format DVD or even blu ray player for probably about that or perhaps a tad more maybe, but certainly not much more adjusted for inflation.
On the other extreme, there are more boutique brands that cater to rich people out there today as well and these systems WILL cost you way more than anybody could ever imagine back in 1978.
Then there is everything in between + more ease than ever buying used so all in all you are way better off soundwise today than ever before. Hooray for progress!