What's going on with the audio market?

Pretty cogent overview there, E-Slacker. 

Calvin- don't lose faith. You don't have to feel that way- this hobby can still be fun and lot's of good used gear, DIY, interesting stuff if you are willing to invest the time. The music- yeah, that's really the purpose, but we tend to rationalize all the gear-mania by claiming that it's getting us closer to the real musical experience. I feel like I've gotten off the treadmill, and while gear still interests me, I'm probably more interested in set up, the design, the "why" of it, and the history, rather than the bling. And buying records- much fun there to be had, you can have stuff coming in constantly from web purchases- great to look forward to, to explore and hear new things (or old things that you haven't heard).  I enjoy my system now more than I ever did; I still buy stuff, but I'm not caught up in any sort of competition, and I have fun experimenting. 

Returntomusic, I concur.  Not that there isn't a ring of truth in all the other posts but I think you nailed it.

TO THE ASSHOLE WHOM IS REMOVING MY POSTS- REMOVE THE POSTS BY SIDDH AS WELL. I SHOULD BE ABLE TO DEFEND MYSELF AGAINST PERSONAL TREATS/CHALLENGES!

Jafant it's the moderators you just need to chill out and no one here is attacking you.