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Is high-end audio dying, if not dead already???

Without sounding like the mad prophet of the airwaves, I think high-end audio is in its death throes. I would like to hear other opinions on this issue, but I think it is time to raise the question and also some hell as to what is happening to the high end audio and audio in general.

Here's why: Most of the major audio publications spend a great deal of time on romancing the "absolute" fidelity of computer audio and music that is digitally processed. On the other hand, you have critics, reviewers, celebrating the comeback of vinyl, analog, and turntables. The mantra goes: "it really does sound better, like real music", so chuck out your CD player, and buy a $5000 analog rig, and have fun again cleaning, preserving (a medium) searching record huts worldwide for pristine vinyl gems. Maybe, there are some shellac gems out there also

It seems the CD format has "OUTLIVED" its usefulness in the pursuit of the absolute sound because its technology and soft ware has never convincingly improved. It is like the BB King tune "the thrill is gone" or saying kids let's just change the channel for something more exciting and new.

High-end audio seems to now ( as the old joke goes)require a degree in engineering or rocket science to understand the circuitous (bad pun) route to audio nirvana. Equipment has gotten more expensive over the last 15 years, under the pretext that the electronic functions have increased and become more complicated. Take a look at the back of a 5 channel receiver or amp, or home theater receiver, a digital processor, etc. and you will see the future of audio. It might be easier to hook up a heart and lung machine.

Ironically, as high end audio and audio in general evolves, the music industry delivers more shit to the public's ears, Geez, I never knew that in order to really enjoy Shakira, JZ, Pharell, and the rest of the talentless trash discovered and pushed by American Idol, The Voice,and the popular Mega media, would require hearing it in absolute sound.
sunnyjim
mitch2
4,007 posts
 
Sunnyjim, some folks our age become nostalgic for the past thrills of walking into a well stocked audio shop to see unbefore heard of gear, or back when the internet opened new doors allowing us an avenue to explore a wealth of equipment we never would have heard about by reading S'phile or TAS alone, not to mention the opportunity to share listening experiences with others in this hobby across the country and across the world. Those were exciting times in audio and, like the 1969 Hemi Cuda, unlikely to be repeated.
However, music is forever, and the gear we use to listen, and how we listen, will enevitably evolve with the times. Sound quality has improved at every price point over the past 10 years, engineers and designers continue to improve the sound of reproduced music in our homes and the high end continues to provide enjoyment for many who like music.
My short answer, NO, the high end is not dead, dying or even in trouble.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Also, I dont purchase any pop rock or jazz music that was made after 1989. Mostly everything produced after that sux bad.
Mattmiller

I was shaking my head in agreement until I read this. That is one ridiculous statement.

I guess I would ask what was the final album made in 89 that made the cutoff?
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
I'm with you, Timrhu.

And Sunnyjim, you need a new moniker :-)
pdspecl
254 posts
 
The internet (and audio web sites - which continues today and will into the future) is the best thing that happened to audio. I personally got tired of going into hi-end stores having pushy salesman give me their jaded view on why their gear is the best and tell me I should immediately sell all the 'junk' I currently have. I do not have deep pockets and being able to research gear (via forums with feedback from actual owners) is priceless to me. Buying used obviously offers a better bang for the buck. Through the internet I've met some fellow audio nuts which turned into long term friendships. I say hi end audio is alive and well.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I don't know if conditions have ever been more favorable for those
interested in High End audio. Choices are plentiful at all the various price
points. In terms of components there's simply a smorgasbord.
Amps, lower, medium, high, or ultra high power. Tube(SET, OTL, PP),
transistor(class A, AB, class D etc.).
Format, Vinyl, R2R, Redbook, Hi resolution digital, DSD.
Cables and accessories, it'd take two lifetimes to try them all.
There's just an abundance of choices and pathways to follow.

The best part of all of this is we as consumers get to pick and choose, yep,
it's totally up to us to fulfill our preferences. Small cottage buiders or large
established brands (and all stops between these two). It's our call.
If someone can't appreciate this opportunity and be overjoyed with the
ability to select and match til your heart's content, well you'll likely never be
happy and satisfied. I had an absolute ball developing my audio system
and I enjoy it immensely.
Charles,
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