Why aren't the older members still active ?

Products change but principles not so much.

Not much new ground broken relating to principles of good sound these days that probably have not been hashed through to death prior.

Maybe more so with digital audio where the technology is still evolving rapidly. Less so with analog technology which does not change all that much anymore in comparison.

New products come out all the time still though, so there is new information to be discussed and honed relating to specific products.

So together I suspect that as most settle into contentment with what they have, activity on A'gon tends to lessen.

If you are in the market for or even just curious about new stuff or looking to sell, then not so much.

Also I have to say that this is a very static site that does not change much in appearance nor features compared to many sites. Innovation does not seem to be a big consideration, FBOFW. Perhaps that contributes to people losing interest over time?

I agree that people move on and often have nothing more to say than what has been said. You move on because of other interests and focuses in your life, a pretty normal process I would venture. Some come back, like I have over the past year or so after my interests in the audio side of the hobby was renewed again and had more time because of the economy.

In any case I do believe the open dialogue that was permitted in the early years, as others have noted lent itself a certain flavor that has been lost. Part of it was the relative newness of internet communication. Of course the moderators had their hands full in drawing the lines and how to control the site along with lacking the resources early on, I would guess. When they realized the potential to make money they were pretty much compelled to control the discussion forums to limit some of the contentious that sometimes developed and protecting themselves from potential financial liability. From that point on the site became a bit more controlled and a bit more bland IMO. Having said that there are always newcomers that fill in for those that have left generally adding a great deal of fresh perspective on audio matters and of course the new guys always wanting to know what the "best" is, me too for what its worth and I HEAR you TPReaves.:)

Today this site is primarly a place to buy and sell gear in a safe manner. I don't know if the present proprietors envisioned it as to what it has become but I would certainly venture that they found out it was a pretty good business idea and overall they've done an admirable job!

perhaps, older people do not suffer fools, gladly.

some people have more patience for tolerating presumptuous opinions without the facts to back them up.

...woo, woo, woo.

Not much "new" left to discover these days..........