One thing that keeps many potential music lovers from advancing into the audiophile world is that our endeavor is in many ways, a solitary one. In many set-ups (mine for example) there is only room for one person in the sweet spot. Even more (my case again) my system is in a separate dedicated room. The lack of social involvement repels many folks.
Second thing that discourages many potential audiophiles is the cost of the gear and the pretentious crews that often sell the components. Agree with others that this elitism is in other endeavors as well. As I am thinking about what to write hear I am taking a mental inventory of who I've done business with and they are many of the really good folks in audiodom.
Richard Vandersteen (can be a bit snippy on the phone), Steve McCormack, Bob Backert, the PS Audio crew, Paul Laudati are all total gentlemen and great to talk to and work with. Interesting thing is that in most of my experiences, the people who work with them are very polite, appreciative and unpretentious. The culture at these establishments is positive and welcoming.
Pleased to see the less expensive lines/gear many of the audio good guys are coming out with. Sincerely hoping that they can lure in young people and shepherd them into the appreciation of well reproduced music loving.
