sleepwalker65, I KNOW people who have been raised from poverty by the simple premise and provision of capitalism. In that regard your comment is explicitly false. Second, even in a broader context you cannot substantiate that comment. I've never heard anyone debate the fact that worldwide, capitalism has raised poverty levels. China is a perfect example. And if you don't think that what has gone on there in the last 30 years is capitalism then you're not paying attention. Further, the simple fact of US foreign aid (Sagan would say billions and billions) have rescued millions from starvation and depravation and is unprecedented and unparalleled in world history not just in the pure scope of it but because it is extended to those who can do nothing for us and in many cases who are even our enemies. In fact, countless millions were drawn out of poverty in Europe with the Marshall plan. Contrast that with how those swallowed by the Soviet Union fared. That is purely a product of capitalism. And you will see no such charity extended by any other form of government.
I wonder how many audiophiles there are these days
There’s a lot of speculation about how this is a dying hobby. I’ve been at this for 40 years, and it certainly isn’t what it used to be. In the old days there were cars and stereos as “toys” and that was about it. Now there’s a long list of competition, together with a general lack of interest in high end sound quality (Pono didn’t make it, which was no surprise).
My kids friends come over (millennials) and I often get a “wow”, and that’s about it. I keep an old vacuum tube in a drawer to hand them, for the inevitable question “what are those?”. Then I tell them about how I’d go to the drugstore with my dad and do the TV tube test as a regular activity, which usually leads to a strange look and a sudden desire to know what’s for dinner.
Anyway, there are still many high end equipment companies, probably more than ever, but it’s likely most only sell a handful of units. Serious audio stores are pretty rare, witness the road trips some of us take to just hear a set of speakers.
If if you define “audiophile” as someone that is seriously interested in this as a hobby, does serious research on components, and is willing to spend a significant sum (which is totally relative), how many of us are there? I suspect at least 10,000, but not more than 50. Total guess, I’m hoping it’s higher because it’s a great hobby and I’d hate to see it get any more rare.
Probably more important, is whether interest has stabilized. I think it has. There seem to be a lot of younger guys in these forums as well.
What do you think?
JL
My kids friends come over (millennials) and I often get a “wow”, and that’s about it. I keep an old vacuum tube in a drawer to hand them, for the inevitable question “what are those?”. Then I tell them about how I’d go to the drugstore with my dad and do the TV tube test as a regular activity, which usually leads to a strange look and a sudden desire to know what’s for dinner.
Anyway, there are still many high end equipment companies, probably more than ever, but it’s likely most only sell a handful of units. Serious audio stores are pretty rare, witness the road trips some of us take to just hear a set of speakers.
If if you define “audiophile” as someone that is seriously interested in this as a hobby, does serious research on components, and is willing to spend a significant sum (which is totally relative), how many of us are there? I suspect at least 10,000, but not more than 50. Total guess, I’m hoping it’s higher because it’s a great hobby and I’d hate to see it get any more rare.
Probably more important, is whether interest has stabilized. I think it has. There seem to be a lot of younger guys in these forums as well.
What do you think?
JL
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- 64 posts total
- 64 posts total