Why Don't More People Love Audio?

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.

Mapman, as usual this is again your argument. But this time I question the logic. First of all I could see the argument that were one to put a modest camera in the hands of a "good" photographer "great" photos result. I would say yes in the hand of a great photographer. Am I missing something here?

But the "skills" of the user determine the results. What is among the skills"? Good ears? Reading the specks? Knowing a good manufacturer? Is the same true that a good movie is determined by the user? Are there no better sounding units?

I think that a good chef tends to have good foods, but most do favor a good source for their meat, veggies, wine, etc.

Finally, are you skilled?

Tbg not sure what needs explaining. Assuming high standards to start not all achieve results to their satisfaction as fast or easily. That's pretty much how all of life works. Ability to learn and apply knowledge is probably the most important ingredient in any endeavor.

I'm better now than I have ever been prior I think. So I'm making progress. I have been mostly satisfied with how my stuff sounds now for a few years. That has not always been the case in the past. I've learned a lot from others on this site in recent years.

How about you?