Yes, I do believe the heavy, expensive, components featuring only a volume control are heading toward the archives. We've been seeing that change taking place for a while now. Even though the older HEA audiophile is kicking and screaming to hang on, the younger folks seem to have other ideas.
Did you guys know there are now more pro audio shops than HEA stores X 10 in the US? Yep, there are more in home studios than in home HEA in room systems. Music direct to the listener is growing faster than any other medium ever. Now music can be sold direct studio to home listener. Which means the home user can now do his own mix, or very soon will be able to. So picture being young sitting in your room and you are able to dial your music in the way you wish, with your lap top being your own personal mixer. How can a young person resist that type of control?
I don't understand why anyone would think this hobby (life) will not evolve into something more holistic. There will always be different eras of the hobby represented and the reach for better sound has never been ignored. Sometimes better sound has been put on the shelf, for example when we went big chassis crazy, but we get back on track and move forward.
Hey and there's nothing wrong with choosing an era and staying there. I for one will always have a classic stereo, but I will also have a tunable listening room.
Who's the next? It will be someone who has incorporated the system as a whole.
Michael Green
