2. misc-audio
  3. 1408168461

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
oblgny's avatar
oblgny
848 posts
 
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.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
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.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
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.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,206 posts
 
A good watch is not only about telling the time anymore than an expensive luxury car is only about transportation. In a consumer focused society your purchases and the fetish like rituals that accompany them are a critical part of what defines an individual. Pulling out a mechanical watch and winding it is a ritual that sends a message to those around you about the type of person you are. And it also tells you the time. How is it any different than the ritual of setting VTA for individual records?
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Onhwy61, to say your purchases define you is as foolish a statement as I ever heard.
Truly insane.
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