What's going on with the audio market?


Recent retail sales reports are very bad and I am hearing that sales for audio equipment have been nonexistent over the past few months.  I also see more dealers putting items up for sale here and on other outlets.  Even items that have traditionally sold quickly here are expiring without being sold. 

To what would you attribute the slowdown?  Have you changed your buying habits for audio equipment and, if so, why? 
theothergreg
Post removed 
The high end market started to fade in the DC metro area I’d say about 1985 when Excaliber in Alexandria shut it’s doors, followed by Myer Emco, Audio Associates, Paragon of Sound (in MD), a few in Maryland suburbs the names of which escape me. AFAIK there are only two left, Deja Vu and Gifted Listener Audio, both in VA. Did I miss any?

Interesting responses, thanks!  So what I'm hearing (minus the political comments) is a shift in the market away from high-end dedicated two channel systems, a saturation of used gear, less disposable income and prohibitive costs are the main culprits to the current downturn. 

FWIW, I'm 48, 25, maybe 5
Some of this lamenting reminds me of Paul Lynde singing "Kids" from "Bye-Bye Birdie". Ours is a hobby from yesteryear which has long ago decided to catch up to the times but there will always be our kind of gear being made. There's really nothing to worry about.

This hobby of ours has made a great enough impact that no matter the times, it will always be here in one form or another. It's in our nature to cling to the past. Just take a look at any Mustang or Camaro. They bend over backwards to make sure it looks like something from the sixties (which dates it as soon as it leaves the showroom floor).

Brick and motor will suffer as the internet and audio shows take the lead.
Another auto analogy shows dealerships may be going the way of the do-do as well as manufacturers are considering online purchasing and the use of boutique stores for their cars to be displayed in, like mini auto shows. What's the matter with kids today indeed!

All the best,
Nonoise

Post removed