How large (or small) is the audiophile market?

I do not follow the mid tier equipment market but I do have an interest in the “high end” gear.  The “tell” for me is whether the big money investors such as venture funds have moved into the market and are consolidating the small retailers.  There is no evidence they are. The So Cal market consist of perhaps a dozen truly high end retailers who are small and located in less expensive retail space.

I concur with your opinion.

+ 1

I would suggest that population of what I deem as audiophiles is rather small as much of the really expensive gear is most likely purchased by individuals who buy six figure cars and are neither car enthusiasts or audiophiles.  I would like to be wrong as I love this hobby and great sound, but I believe we are just a very small niche that does not drive the market.

A real audiophile  test soundtrack (no electronic spatial effects here only voices and instruments ):

If you can differentiate after purchasing this album, between the singers and see when they walk around you and in your room and see their head turning when singing and if they comes near your right or left ears singing or speaking, your system/room is good... If not, dont upgrade your gear pieces, dac, amp or speakers, learn acoustics experriment and use it before upgrading...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR33bL5aNTk&list=PLnQJF3Qi_4_CvjtOvZypmfmC4ygxSxOgm&index=46

It was my test album in my  acoustic dedicated room.

In non audiophile system/room the singers are in front of you on a plane or worst between speakers, not around you in 3-d in the room.

I don't quite understand why the people here blaming AI generated information being faulty.  All the 'AI' information provided by @cdc have proper sources.  The only exception is for "Hi-Fi Audiophile Headphones" but here is the source for it "Impactful Marketing Research Co. on May 15, 2025."

It’s even more amazing that people blaming put out their own unfounded judgments, seemingly believing their information is more reliable than market research. Where is your justification, people?

@deep_333  you do realize that the only reason most young people have a large playlist is because they don't have to pay for it, they actually expect it to be free.