More potential bad news for some big names...

On one hand I can see high end audio in decline, on the other I see this as a golden age of audio. Recently I've been reading through some of my 1980-90's era Stereophile mags, fears about the decline of audio existent then just as today. There have always been complaints about the high cost of audio, always plenty of equipment out of reach for many.

And don't forget about the used market, internet gives us easy access, and think about the continuing accumulation of purchases that go onto the used market. I'd like to see some data comparing new sales to used, has to be greatly impacting new sales. I could make an argument higher end audio more affordable than ever.

I was an audiophile in my teens.  But, I didn't purchase a pair of serious loudspeakers until I was 40. By then, I had a house, children who were past the toddler stage, and a bit of disposable income.  I suspect I am not alone.  Give the Gen Z kids time.  Chances are at least some of them, 5-10%, will discover what a decent audio rig can do for their music.  That's enough to keep the industry afloat, I think.

@bimmerlover you must be confusing me with someone else

I recall Paul McGowan saying that the universe of real HiFi buyers is about 20-25,000 in the US and shrinking. 

Let's face it the younger generations  have little regard for quality and even less regard for bespoke HiFi gear. They are in debt up to their gills and have little discretionary income. They are not keen to own homes, or even cars if you believe the consumer analytics. They don't generally long to be rich like my generation did (I'm 63) and they don't care to be married either. 

Add to that the quality of the AirPods Max, the Bluetooth boom boxes that sound pretty darn good plus the mid-fi brands being poorly made and you have what we have here today. 

I don't know how to remedy this, and I don't know anybody who has proffered a good solution.  

I miss Oldsmobile, I'm finishing restoring my IH Scout II, next will be a 1968 Olds Cutlass Convertible - love that car.

I'm also looking for a turntable, have an old Dual, thinking of getting a VPI. I'm not done with this hobby either.