Awesome thread! I also participate in the muscle car hobby and the toy train hobby and the sentiments expressed here regarding HEA are pretty much identical to those expressed by participants in those hobbies.
The world, for whatever reason, doesn't have "time" for leisure activities and hobbies much these days. Naturally, the 5%er's can and will do whatever they want, and they are the supporters for HEA given that amps are now $60K and up a pair and speakers run $200,000/pr.
The 5%er's make up a bit over 8 million Americans, and evidently we have so many billionaires around the world today that such items only have to sell a few copies to pay for their overall costs.
The same is true for cars; old Mustangs (!), one of the chintziest cars ever made--I drove them--sell for millions today. The interesting thing is that you can buy almost 100% of the parts to build your own today, and some people do. Some of us think it is hysterical. A Ferrari just sold for $70 million. Evidently some people have more $$ than brains, but it is their $$, I suppose. Please don't get me started on "hemi" cars and all the foolishness that goes on with them. Three million for a '71 hemi convertible?? It was not much of car when it was built, so...
Even first-class toy steam engines list for over $2000.00+ today, and this is a HOBBY that no one needs.
The most precious commodity in today's world is time--at least in America where vacations are taboo, working 24/7/365 for no $$ is required by even the lowest paid workers, and we have no idea what enjoying life is about. My personal opinion is that the accumulation of cash is the only goal that is presented in today's world that is worthwhile. Only "winners" matter, and that takes full-time dedication to amassing as many dollars as possible--no time for leisure. Executives EXPECT workers to be on the job even when they are sleeping.
SO, buying expensive gear to sit down and listen to music??? You should be at the gym or working or both at the same time or you will be beat out for that rare promotion--no more $$ of course--and you will be a loser.
Of course this is an exaggeration, however even though many people do have some leisure time today, evidently the home theater experience is more popular than the "listening to music" experience with most families. Is there a high-end dealer who does NOT sell theater gear? I doubt they would stay in business long if they did not, and booming bass and super loud music and dialogue are the desired elements there. Go to the movies and you will see that this is the experience people want to reproduce in their homes now. There will always be a small group of audio hobbyists--just not as many as before, so everyone will have to change with the times or cease to be in business.
Cheers, I guess!
