Why aren't the older members still active ?

Wrong. There is a lot of moderately priced gear even new. But if you are serious about the sound quality you should be prepared to spend a few thousands on stereo. And if someone is just a music lover, this forum is not for those.
Having said that, a few thousands even for used equipment won't buy anything spectacular nor should it.
Also, some audiophiles who have $100k-$200k systems spent decades to get where they are now and save on many other things. They are not rich.
In addition, as an example, if you live in Manhattan you don't need a car so you can spend usual car dollars on stereo.

Hi Inna, I hope my post did not knock rich people - I am far from a "march on wall St" type. I only knock stereo gear that cost more than a modest priced house, because over that last decade prices have gone way up and sound quality has gone way down, imo. I would really like to know really great sounding speakers for $5K - from what I have listened to in this range, none are even good and most are poor. (I hope you can mention some models and skip BW and other mass produced cheapy brands - I hope you have lived more than that).

"if you live in Manhattan, you don't (really) need a car" -

So, how to you get to your house in the Hamptons ? :)

That is not a fair comparison, 6550c. My first car was a used vw that I bought for $800, and I had to take a loan out on that! :-)

At the rate its going this thread can be retitled:
Why aren't the older members still alive?