More potential bad news for some big names...

My guess is that less than 1% of people care about the quality of the sound of music. It’s not that they don’t care about music…it’s just that music is mostly for background while they are doing something else. 
 

I’ve introduced many people to good sound over the years and while they appreciate it… it doesn’t really float their boat. 
 

Then there are the issues of cost and size. Americans in general seem to want smaller and less expensive… look how long it takes to resell big and expensive gear these days. 
 

What are the solutions… that is the real question… I wish I knew. 
 

My own focus is to buy well respected name brands that usually resell easily… but there are no guarantees. 

Too many products in a hifi companies lineup.

Too many hifi companies. Just go to audio shows they’re all over the place.

Prices went up a lot over past couple years, and they were certainly high then too.

Dealers are challenged because they have to buy everything before they can sell it to you. They are not provided any pieces for free to show customers which is horrifying for them. It means less variety of product to show customers in more places.

Nobody knows what they’re buying when they spend $20,000 on a component. Mystery box.

jay and ocd guy have the right idea but they’re terrible businessman. ocd guy knows a hell of a lot but too negative and just really weird. His products are not really mainstream they’re kind of wacky, put some I think really really good.

Can’t wait for this Industry to hit Amazon for the deliveries of their Products. Especially higher end cables and power cords. Streamers and Dacs Will follow.

Fact number one: nobody NEEDS hi-fi.

Fact number two: hi-fi systems costing more than $10,000 are Veblin goods.

Fact number three: fidelity is only a relevant concept when listening to acoustic music such as classical or vintage jazz.

bruce +1

That was very refreshing and most appreciated.
(not to mention, succinct)

All the best,
Nonoise

The link below illustrates a perspective om current M&A (Mergers and Acquisition) activity and possible increase in 2025 and beyond as the world economic pictures shows some positive pressure.    The Bose buyout of McIntosh is not unusual even though it pierces the heart of many.  I recall when Masimo Consumer, which  is a division of the  medical supply company Masimo, purchased Sound United, the parent company of Marantz in 2022.  This conglomerate also owns Denon,HEOS, Classe, Bowers and Wilkins, Definitive technology and Boston Acoustic. (Sound United is not invested in developing new BA products).  To despair the McIntosh acquisition is, IMO, premature at this time.  There is hope.  Enjoy the music.

https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/deals/trends.html