Why Don't More People Love Audio?

I have a friend who was all about McIntosh equipment with a Thorens TT in the 70's. More recently he was fine with a BOSE Wave radio/CD combo that unnerved me to no end. I'm happy to say he's now into high-rez files, headphone amps and 4-figure phones. The prodigal son returns.

Tostadosunidos, it's funny how that works. There was a point not real long ago where I was happy with a cheap Sharp receiver and cdp powering a set of AAL speakers.

Alpha_gt, I know what you mean about people enjoying your music but not enough to get involved. I remember an instance back in the '70s when I had about thirty people sitting on the floor in my living room where the system was and listening to Simon and Garfinkel. Since then it is usually one local guy coming by or several audiophiles from around me in Texas. The former say "wow" and then leave.

Earlier there were no computers, no streaming or even personal systems with ear buds; now there are many entertainment items available. I must say, however, that many I knew long ago were not appreciative of realism in reproducing music. I build a good deal of my original systems using kits, but a pair of Infinity ServoStatic 1s put me on the slope to audiophildum.

Yeah, it's not so appealing to just sit and listen anymore--back in the 70's, this was normal, though. Music on a system was a social event--music and party--sit around and listen. TV was not engaging--didn't look good then, not even with a VHS tape. Hi-def screens at home are an event now. No computers, no cell phones, no texting, no social media back then. Rotary-dial phone on a curly cord--from home. Back then, you went out to see a movie--then it looked good. Music was what you did at home on a regular basis, or call someone on the phone, but you had to sit there. People are more distracted these days--too many options--this even bugs me--I sit and listen to my system, but have my laptop in front of me for FB, etc. Have to fold the screen down to really listen, then it comes up again, etc.

Home audio is like photography. Put an even modest camera in the hands of a good photographer and great photos result. Same true with home audio. In the end it's the skills of the user that determine the results. Most results will be average but many can and will be quite excellent even on a modest budget with less than sota gear.