Why Don't More People Love Audio?

I think it is because most people do not really LISTEN to music. It is merely a back drop to them.

I like to drive, but I do not love to drive. Hence there is no Porsche in my driveway.

We audiophiles need to own up to the fact that we are a cult. As true believers, we cannot conceive that others fail to understand the redemptive nature of the object of our obsession. Too bad for us.

For most people, a sound system is just another appliance. They want to plug and play. They want to forget about it and to simply exploit what it can do for them. They do not obsess about the vintage, the specs or the pedigree. They upgrade when, and if, it breaks, or when they become convinced of its obsolescence (cassette deck to C.D.)

The rest of this palaver simply betrays our cluelessness.

An increasingly small % of people have all the pre-requisites to love audio (as opposed to just loving music).

The pre-requisite that is the most increasingly restrictive is perhaps the desire to spend a lot of time just listening to music. Time is increasingly short these days for many in that more things than ever compete these days for peoples leisure time.

Here's an idea; and you don't have to listen to fish ;--)http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/19/garden/19aqua.html?src=me&ref=homepage
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let me clarify my position regarding audio equipment as a status symbol.

i think that some buy them to "keep up with the jones'"--their fellow wealthy friends and acquantainces.

many do not listen to their audio systems and have no interest in listening to them.

rather the equipment represents a sizable expenditure comparable to the expenditure of others who may buy boats , expensive cars, or , art.

such individuals are not audiophiles and music may not be of interest to them as well.