Should there only be one company making gear?

Over time it wouldn't really make any difference as far as product availability goes. If the single hi-fi provider acted in their long-term best interest they would aggressively institute a product differentiation campaign to segment the market and thereby charge higher prices for specific goods. At first the differentiation would be cosmetic based or feature set driven, but eventually they would even start to cater to those consumers who want better sounding products. Over time the single provider would provide whatever the market demands and fill every possible marketing niche. The downside is that prices for these niche products would be astronomically higher than in today's open marketplace. Of course, this all assumes that Bill Gates is not in charge of the single hi-fi provider.

I guess audiophiles could agree on gear if the components were perfect, but with design compromises comes personal preference. Plus, consumers are individualists, and sound quality is not the only determining purchasing factor. You know the story.

"Is it possible that there will ever be a piece of gear on which all audiophiles could agree?"

Agree that is great, yes. Agree to own, Hell no.

Sure think Nrchy! Screw Free Trade!
Lets just roll out the Red Carpet and welcome the commies!

-laugh-

It would make things alot simpler, but god, this website would be boring as hell.

Imagine CES, it would be going on constantly throughout every brick and mortar in the world!!!!

Audio clubs would totally suck ass too. Everyone get together, job blow says "I just upgraded to the Generic CD1 player.
Everyone else would nod thier heads "Yup. got one of them too"
"i also have one"
"yes, we all have one"

"Hey did you hear the Generic FX3 speakers? oh wait, everyone already owns one!"

how lame would that be?

hahaha