Is the idea of audiophile listening a dying concept as boomers die off?

It's undeniable that at a younger age most must work hard and do multiple chores to run a family and that undoubtedly puts the research of quality sound as a distant secondary endeavor, if at all. Equally true is most retired people with the means to sit back and enjoy the roses are in dire need of finding some kind of hobby that will enhance their life. Anyway, that is pretty much how it went for me. I grew up in my teens listening to rock music nearly everyday, but not in any audiophile form other than on my dad's system. Then in my twenties, I dove into my professional life, unfortunately no longer being able to give much time to listening to music. It wasn't until the business world ended for me that I could finally get back into music and have been on an audiophile path ever since. I honestly know of no one in my younger friends or family who has any desire to get involved with the hobby. They enjoy listening to my setup but would never consider following it. At least at this point in their life. 

I think we (as in audiophile, studied listening) have always been a niche. When I was a teen into my 20s, listening was a social activity-- there was much less home entertainment to compete. Into my 30s and 40s, I participated in an audio club in NY but got to a point where had far less time to listen, and was not interested in futzing around with turntables and tubes (my long time systems, since the early-mid 70s). Home theater became an easy way to push a couple buttons and be entertained when I was doing so much traveling for work.

By my 50s, I got back into two channel audio and revamped the main system entirely. Now, in my dotage, I have the time and interest to continue this type of "studied" listening. I have met young people who are pursuing a similar course, though they have not yet reached their peak earning power. That doesn’t matter, it’s more a mindset and approach than money spent. But, without wide-ranging data, all I have is my anecdotal experience-- and believe we have always been in the minority (except perhaps in the ’70s, when hanging out and listening was a "thing to do" for our generation).

@ghasely

I think everyone should question the value/implication of this data: "The three best years for modern era high end audio sales in terms of units sold and revenue were 2021, 2022 and 2023."

a. How were the 'best years of audio - revenue' adjusted for inflation?

b. How were the 'best years of audio - units sold' adjusted for population growth?

We need to compare 'apples to apples'. If these adjustments are lacking, the opening statement has little relevance.

This question has been coming up for decades with lots of reasons that it is a dying pursuit, but the number of products continues to proliferate. I remember watching in awe as old guys came in and carted off the most recent Audio Research component… far more expensive than I could dream of purchasing. Well, now I’m the old guy…and after me there will be followed by other younger old guys. 

Earning Power has nothing whatsoever to do with listening to music via electronic devices.

My experiences to date are there is very very little snobbery to be found in music replays as a Hobby, there is not agenda to keep the Riff Raff out, no exclusivity for the membership. That is not saying there is not individuals who share their interest similar in this Hobby who are not snobs, some of these individuals most likely are members within a forum, and some may even be frequent posters on their chosen forum/forums. 

A Hobby and the attention it can generate through the usage of surrounding supporting networks, takes all sorts to assist with the cultivating the growth. I am not prejudiced towards any sharing their interest. 

It is well noted on this forum and many others, exceptional listening experiences are able to be produced using electronic devices that are not stupid expensive.

As mentioned in a previous post, there are today in use numerous sources, the individual is more defined today by their choice of Source and Medium used, than their chosen music genre.

Years ago when in discussion you were Wed to a Vinyl or CD Source / Vinyl CD Source, with a specific liking for a Genre/ Multiple Genre's.

Today an individual is a Data Streamer, Digital Recorded File user, Phone user , Hard Drive user , CD user , Analogue Tape user , Vinyl user or any combination.

Even a typical found in the home Desktop PC or Laptop are considered today a replay Source worthwhile using for Stored Digital Recordings or Streamed Data Recordings.

Any will be considered Audiophile in relation to the end sound that can be produced, to achieve an End Sound that is deemed attractive does not require silly monies to achieve.