@ erik_squires - The name of this thread seems to imply that the DIYer had "passed on"?
DIYers have, and always will be around, mainly because there are so many things you CAN do for yourself in this hobby - i.e. if desired.
From tweaks, like using rebar stands for cable elevators, to building your own gear, the spectrum of DIY projects is vast
DIYer’s choose their path because they are interested in the specific subject matter and are prepared to invest the time/effort in their quest
But those that elect not to DIY do so because they may not have the time or desire to invest in a particular DIY pursuit
I, like many, am somewhere in the middle, in that I "pick my battles"
- I design/build cables, because basically it is quite easy to build a great performing cable and all the parts are readily available, but my knowledge came by trying many different cables/types
- I DO make small tweaks to other things, like my turntable
- I DO NOT build my components anymore because I tried and failed
- I DO NOT tweak my components by making circuit upgrades, because I feel (rightly or wrongly) that it may impact resale value
- I personally, DO NOT build my speakers, because when I look at todays speakers and the design and testing efforts the makers go through, I am sure that I cannot build anything that would compete with them - but I could be wrong - and I respect those that do.
I’m sure there are many others out there that take a similar approach in varying degrees, based on their knowledge and skill sets
Someone posted earlier that the demise of Radio Shack had a huge impact on the possibility of pursing a DIY approach.
- But others have found alternate component sources,
- some of which provide vastly superior components than what Radio Shack previously offered.
- The demise of Radio Shack simply made DIY a little less convenient for some in the DIY community
Also, I see no "shame" in not DIYing, but there is also little validity in thinking a DIY solution cannot possibly be as good as branded products.
Should a person that builds from Kits be considered DIYer ?
- Certainly, because many times they make minor adjustments to either the parts used or the actual design
- Even if they just built the kit without changes - they probably saved a ton of money in the process, which is another aspect of DIY
A sense of personal achievement derived from a DIY project is no different from the joy of hearing the improvements that the "shiny new whatever" you just purchased has made to your system
Is there a resurgence in DIY?
- Maybe, but for me it never really went away
Could it be due to the current "COVID" climate?
- Perhaps
- maybe it’s due to us all having more time on our hands?
Or is it due more to the plethora of DIY web sites that now make the DIY avenue more palpable - i.e.by "the sharing of knowledge"
- e.g. This forum has members that posses a vast wealth of knowledge across the entire spectrum of the audiophile world to draw on.
You can use that knowledge to:
- buy better components and cables or
- use it to fabricate your very own solutions
- it’s your choice - which is ultimately the right approach for each individual
But as people attain more knowledge, they may tend to be more "adventurous" in their DIY pursuits.
- Perhaps THAT is the reason?
My own cable pursuits have evolved by the input from other DIYers around the world over the last 6 years
- so for me - the DIY world has always been very active
Regards - Steve
