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OK, Here's One For You, Industry Quantification...


So, I have a few questions aimed at attempting to quantify the industry. This is not because I am thinking about opening a store - no, I'm a very happy computer software engineer (code bone). My interest owes its due to an unfortunate audio dispute, the details of which are uninteresting other than to say, my would-be dealer argues the hi-fidelity industry is small (cottage) and, as such, does not follow the same consumer protection ethics (my word) as, say, plastic kiddie toys.

Upon hearing his claim of a small industry, I began thinking, is this true, and upon what measure would one either make or deny this claim. I came up with the following questions whose answers would be very interesting.

I am interested in hearing if anyone knows of 'official' sources to answer any of these questions or your thoughts about how to quantify the industry or how to even define it, for that matter.

1) Annual consumer spend - US, Europe, Worldwide
2) Total number of manufactures - US, Europe, Worldwide
3) Total number of publications - Monthly, Quarterly, etc.; US, Europe, Worldwide
4) Total number of distributors - US, Europe, Worldwide
5) Total number of retailers - US, Europe, Worldwide

The last point above, how to even define the market, is also very interesting. Is purchasing a $250 Pioneer receiver classified similarly to purchasing VAC monoblocks? What about a $2,000 integrated amp? How is that line drawn?

I look forward to reading a few responses!

Thanks...
cocozhou
pbb
1,140 posts
 
A piece of wire has nothing to do with a Monet or a Michelangelo. An art historian could explain at length the technical and artistic merits in a proper historic context of the work of such geniuses. Can anyone do the same for the folks behind expensive cables? You, Anarchy, are truly a believer, one with no arguments to speak of aside from your personal attacks that are tiresome and unfounded. Strange is it not that an industry that has sidestepped any scrutiny by shifting their wares to the higher level of pure aesthetics should refuse to take back the product when the purchaser objects to it on the grounds of aesthetics? Insofar as you being a champion of the subjective audio thing is concerned, may I add that you are one of the worst ones I have come across on this site. Like I said: hook, line and sinker.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,125 posts
 
Pbb you have never heard anything I own. You are an idiot (and I'm not alone in that sentiment, others are just more polite, according to your own words you neighbor hates you so much he will not go in the yard while you are outside) for saying that I have no rational basis for owning what I own.

What "NUMBERS" will your art historians use to quantify the artistic value of those artists. I am not arguing that Monet and Michaelangelo are not great artists, they are some of the best to ever live. I'm arguing that there are no numbers that quantify thier work (using your logic) they must not be great artists, or there would be a numerical way to prove it.

Does that mean that if you can hear a difference in products, but that they measure the same, your ears must be wrong. Your science is in it's infancy, just like your logic and emotions!

I will continue to buy equipment based on how they sound, you can buy based on the specs. You will not change my mind and I will not change your... whatever it is you use to think?!?

Pbb, go play with your neighbor!
wildoats
339 posts
 
No numbers just opinion. It's a small industry. In High End Audio, most of us have much better audio systems than our friends. Some posters on the "gon" have said they don't know ANY audiophiles in their home area, ANY! World over, how many audiophiles? Most people think were nuts for what we pay for gear (even those of us with relatively cheap gear). I, on the other hand, think it's nuts to spend $20-30K on a fishing boat that you only use 2-3 times a year. Another comparison, you can always find another car enthusiast.

The High End Audio business has to a least make a safe product, meeting electrical codes etc.

As far as livng up to some of the claims that manufacturers of High End equipment make; Some do, some make claims only some people believe, some IMO are making ridiculous claims.

However, other industries make claims that aren't always true too. Can you go after a refridgerator company for claiming their machine does this, does that when it doesn't really? How about, "the safest car on the road", is it? We've all bought products that claim to do something they either don't really do, or do so very poorly. Can we go after them for making false claims?

What is High End? If your friends have equipment as good, or close to as good, you DON'T have High End equipment.
pbb
1,140 posts
 
What if you don't have any friends, how can you tell your equipment is high-end?
uppermidfi
277 posts
 
Some people listen with their ears!
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