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

"11-16-14: Tonywinsc
I liken high end audio to fine swiss watches. The technology has existed across many decades. The updates are mainly in style and materials with some breakthroughs in design here and there. The focus in high end audio is on workmanship and style, not economies of scale or reducing the cost in the next generation product."

That's really not true. The only thing subjective about a watch is how it looks. Its function, or purpose, is to tell time. In that respect, all watches are the same regardless of cost. Not so with audio. With audio, the product is subjective in use. 5 people can have different watches, at different price points, but they'll all give you the same time. Listen to 5 different CD players, and you'll get 5 results that are not the same. Also, with regards to the last sentence, I'm not sure how you came up with that. Can you give me an example?

"11-16-14: Macrojack
It would appear that the average age of the audiophile is rising by the year. The inevitable stopping point of the aging process will coincide rather identically with the stopping point of that individual's consumption of new audio products. It will, in fact, have double-edged effect of further damaging the market place with the addition of more used gear to the inventory. Supply and demand dynamics will cause opportunities for those who are entering the market place to purchase wonderful used gear at a fraction of the prices being demanded by boutique charlatans and genuine innovators alike. This should cause an extreme cleansing of the manufacturing ranks."

I understand why you would think that, but the opposite is true. Audiophiles are always upgrading. If they can't get rid of their old gear, they won't be able to buy new. A good supply of used gear is a very good thing. Take Audiogon for example. This web site allows someone to buy a component that they may not be able to afford if they had to get new. After the sale, the seller will usually upgrade. Also, and more importantly, a website like this increases the number of audiophiles that exist overall. Audioqon is a source for gear that many people all around would not otherwise have access to. For proof, just look at all the threads started here, where the poster asks for advice because they can't buy equipment any other way. I remember when I sold my Rotel 1072 here. Rotel is extremely difficult about not shipping to customers.They would rather loose a sale than ship something to someone that doesn't have a local dealer. I got close to full list price for it from someone who didn't have a dealer anywhere near them.

Hi ZD, it's true; I really do liken fine watches to high end audio :). You make generalizations and say a watch's only function is to tell time. By that same logic, a CD player's only function is to play music and most people would argue that they all sound the same. As for my last sentence, just compare the original retail prices of some high end equipment from decades ago, factor in inflation and the prices today for new hi end equipment are about the same or a little more. It's true for fine watches as well. Yet, the basic technology for these luxury items hasn't changed. Compare that to TVs, refrigerators or other such appliances and the prices today are a fraction of the cost of these items from decades ago. Even low end receivers and speakers are a fraction of the cost of their equivalent products decades ago. I'm just saying that luxury items are in a different business model. The market may grow or shrink depending on the economy; but there will always be a market.

When I was growing up...
There were far less formats to choose from for audio... We had Pioneer, Sansui, Marantz...to name a few. And them was good. In fact I still have fully functioning receivers from them good old days, a Pioneer SX950 and a Marantz 2250b. Sigh.
Now ya gots iPods, streamers, HDR, compact disc, vinyl. Sheesh.
Remember cassettes? 8 track? Reel to reel?
My point is that today's "Hifi" is less important to the gens behind me because they are able to take their music anywhere they go - and they don't truly concern themselves with fidelity as they do with bass. Volume is king, fidelity...well that might come later.
I agree fully with the comment above that this site gives people like myself the opportunity to grab stuff we might not be able to afford if purchased anew. My current system is approaching $10k or so, but if new it would be around $16k.

11-16-14: Zd542
The only thing subjective about a watch is how it looks. Its function, or purpose, is to tell time. In that respect, all watches are the same regardless of cost. Not so with audio. With audio, the product is subjective in use. 5 people can have different watches, at different price points, but they'll all give you the same time.

The only thing subjective about a watch is how it looks. The only thing subjective about audio is how it sounds. So what's the difference again?

If you are judging subjectivity, will all 5 people feel the same about the looks of the watches, or the sound of an audio system? The vast majority will say they are all the same, only the 'philes would argue differences between the two.

I think the analogy is silly.
A ten buck watch or a 20K watch can both just tell time.
Difference between a great audio system and average best buy
HT setup is night and day.
ANYONE can tell the difference ,just that for most music is not that important.
IMO if you only listen to pop/rock it isn't.