High end audio goes back over a hundred years. Edison made a high end phonograph around 1900 that cost $250 when the average wage was about $400/year. That would be comparable to roughly $18k today? So "The American Dream" of wanting more of the best goes back a long way. And like someone said, the trickle down effect is what we all count on. The wealthy get it first and eventually the costs/prices come down to a more affordable level. After all, I could spend 5 bucks at a garage sale today for just about any turntable and easily out perform Edison's 1905 era high end phonograph.
I got to go to a CES in 1989 in Chicago. I spent the entire day across the street at the high end audio exhibition where everyone had to set up in hotel rooms. One of the best days of my life hearing and seeing all types of equipment and music. I still have vivid memories of some of those remarkable demonstrations as well as some of the "snake oil" products. I envy your opportunities on the West Coast to see and hear these shows. It has to be great and of course it is going to showcase some expensive gear. You wouldn't show up to an important interview in scuzzy shorts and a t-shirt would you?
I got to go to a CES in 1989 in Chicago. I spent the entire day across the street at the high end audio exhibition where everyone had to set up in hotel rooms. One of the best days of my life hearing and seeing all types of equipment and music. I still have vivid memories of some of those remarkable demonstrations as well as some of the "snake oil" products. I envy your opportunities on the West Coast to see and hear these shows. It has to be great and of course it is going to showcase some expensive gear. You wouldn't show up to an important interview in scuzzy shorts and a t-shirt would you?