More potential bad news for some big names...

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

@p05129 ...Well, you got your wish.... ;)

There's an abundance of 'truthful lies' and 'lied truths' running about, and those that feel 'uncomfortable' with a opposite opinion need squelching....to an 'acceptable degree'.....

....do you really like that?

Curious, but not likely to invoke sudden anything here....🤷‍♂️🤨😏

C'ya 'round, J

The audio industry offers nothing for young people to get into the hobby. There are no stepping-stone brands anymore. Manufacturers and many hi-fi enthusiasts consider anything under $3k "affordable." But to a person who just got out of college and probably has $100k in college debt, a $10k system is not within his/her budget. The gear they might afford is pretty much garbage. The only course today is vintage gear other than Harman Kardon, Marantz, Pioneer and Sansui. I recently set up a decent (not super hi-fi but decent) system for my sister-in-law consisting of a Scott 335R receiver, a Sony turntable and two Dayton Audio speakers for less than $300. Is it the equivalent of something that we would consider worthy? Of course not, but it's a beginning. She enjoys it and it serves her purposes. Why do the people on this forum always mock beginner systems? We all had to start somewhere and I doubt if we all bought McIntosh or PS gear as our first stereo.