I don't buy the statement at all that equipment is produced with a narrow focus. That would be pretty silly from a mfg'erer's perspective. Now there's always been the odd amp or two that sound well with 5 piece band and instantly become congested with a large orchestra. But that's the exception.
I think you give your dealer (and perhaps others) more credit than he deserves.
An excellent sounding system will sound excellent regardless of the type of music.
I'm convinced the experience you describe occurs way too often and the problem most always lies typically more toward the enthusiast, salesman, or installer rather than the equipment.
It is my opinion that, regardless of price, most systems fall flat on their face when they come up short in any one or more of the following four categories:
1. Lacking a certain caliber and synergy of components. This need not be expensive nor too difficult to acquire. But it must also include full-range speakers.
2. Lacking proper vibration control for all components, racking system, and speakers.
3. Lacking proper AC power conditioning and general AC tweaks such as dedicated lines, cryo-treated plugs, outlets, etc.
4. Lacking proper speaker and listening chair placement.
5. Adequate (you don't need superior or perfect) room acoustics.
Successfully addressing each of the above categories is absolutely foundational and essential toward obtaining the best sonics possible.
So when you ask "Has hi fi become too specialized?", I believe the answer is no.
Instead, I believe hi fi (as well as some to many other endeavors) is going the same way as public education.
In other words, if what one has ain't working, then one simply thinks throwing more money at it is the solution. Thinking money is the cure all. But the end results remain the same regardless of how much one spends until a new mindset occurs.
-IMO
I think you give your dealer (and perhaps others) more credit than he deserves.
An excellent sounding system will sound excellent regardless of the type of music.
I'm convinced the experience you describe occurs way too often and the problem most always lies typically more toward the enthusiast, salesman, or installer rather than the equipment.
It is my opinion that, regardless of price, most systems fall flat on their face when they come up short in any one or more of the following four categories:
1. Lacking a certain caliber and synergy of components. This need not be expensive nor too difficult to acquire. But it must also include full-range speakers.
2. Lacking proper vibration control for all components, racking system, and speakers.
3. Lacking proper AC power conditioning and general AC tweaks such as dedicated lines, cryo-treated plugs, outlets, etc.
4. Lacking proper speaker and listening chair placement.
5. Adequate (you don't need superior or perfect) room acoustics.
Successfully addressing each of the above categories is absolutely foundational and essential toward obtaining the best sonics possible.
So when you ask "Has hi fi become too specialized?", I believe the answer is no.
Instead, I believe hi fi (as well as some to many other endeavors) is going the same way as public education.
In other words, if what one has ain't working, then one simply thinks throwing more money at it is the solution. Thinking money is the cure all. But the end results remain the same regardless of how much one spends until a new mindset occurs.
-IMO