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Four Powerful Words That Can Change the Audiophile Hobby Forever - Future Audiophile Magazine
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Four Powerful Words…
- Thread starter Mike
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still-one
Active member
Although I don't agree with every point the author makes, the general theme of the article it worth considering. Thanks for the post.
The article intriguingly points out the generational difference in adaptability amongst audiophiles, highlighting that older enthusiasts, often classified as 'baby boomers', may be less comfortable with embracing changes and new technologies. This is not surprising, considering the digital age, marked by the advent of the internet around 50 years ago and the rise of computer audio in the late '90s to early 2000s, is a relatively new phenomenon in their lifetime.
Younger listeners, on the other hand, have grown up immersed in this technological landscape, making it second nature to them. They have adopted newer formats of music consumption with ease; instead of buying CDs, they prefer the convenience of streaming their music. High-definition audio doesn't seem to be a priority for them, as evidenced by the popularity of platforms like Spotify, which, despite not offering CD-quality streams, are wildly popular among this demographic.
Not explicitly mentioned in the article is the shift in evaluation methods amongst the new generation of audiophiles. Unlike their predecessors, who often relied on anecdotal evidence or personal experience, more and more younger audiophiles lean more towards objective data when assessing audio equipment. They're more likely to trust empirical measurements and scientific data over purely subjective reviews.
Furthermore, the economic landscape also plays a role in this shift. High-end audio equipment can be quite expensive, and with the younger generation often grappling with economic challenges, investing in top-tier audio equipment might not be feasible. Thus, they prioritize experiences and the joy of listening over the gadgetry, which is a paradigm shift in the audiophile community.
The high-end audio industry is going through a Cadillac moment. Years ago GM leadership realized that the Cadillac brand was associated with old folks and that most buyers of the brand were buying their last Cadillac. They had to change to appeal to a younger demographics. Hopefully, high-end audio manufacturers will realize it before it is too late.
Younger listeners, on the other hand, have grown up immersed in this technological landscape, making it second nature to them. They have adopted newer formats of music consumption with ease; instead of buying CDs, they prefer the convenience of streaming their music. High-definition audio doesn't seem to be a priority for them, as evidenced by the popularity of platforms like Spotify, which, despite not offering CD-quality streams, are wildly popular among this demographic.
Not explicitly mentioned in the article is the shift in evaluation methods amongst the new generation of audiophiles. Unlike their predecessors, who often relied on anecdotal evidence or personal experience, more and more younger audiophiles lean more towards objective data when assessing audio equipment. They're more likely to trust empirical measurements and scientific data over purely subjective reviews.
Furthermore, the economic landscape also plays a role in this shift. High-end audio equipment can be quite expensive, and with the younger generation often grappling with economic challenges, investing in top-tier audio equipment might not be feasible. Thus, they prioritize experiences and the joy of listening over the gadgetry, which is a paradigm shift in the audiophile community.
The high-end audio industry is going through a Cadillac moment. Years ago GM leadership realized that the Cadillac brand was associated with old folks and that most buyers of the brand were buying their last Cadillac. They had to change to appeal to a younger demographics. Hopefully, high-end audio manufacturers will realize it before it is too late.
Mr Peabody
Well-known member
I have read Jerry's articles back when it was Home Theater Review. I personally don't care for him, it's like he lives in a different world than me. Like in this article he tends to make wide generalizations based on minimal contact or evidence. I also think stereotyping a person's actions and character on when they were born is foolish.
I took my grandson to Axpona a couple years ago, I gave him a turntable and a small system. He is more into cars and video games. Audio/music is a passion that I feel you have to be born with, you have it or not, it's not just something you do or pick up, like you would Pickle Ball. That's they way it is with me. I can identify with most anyone into audio because I started out with a suitcase record player as a small child and have been on a journey that has not stopped. I know what it's like to only have the money for a receiver and drool over the gear I read about in Stereophile or TAS.
My grandson and his girlfriend just graduated high school last May. His girlfriend plays trumpet in school band that's where they met. She went with us to see Foreigner, she was a big fan, I learned she claimed her sister's record player and some of her dad's LP's. I invited them over to hear my system, she really didn't say much, she is fairly quite and don't know me well, I didn't want to ask what she thought. I could tell though she was excited when I gave her a LP of Woodstock. I'd bet at some point this girl will have some type of system. Life will probably dictate how far she goes into it.
We have a local audio club, one member I met when he was like 21, he is still in his 20's and works for a local TV station, I think actually a camera/tech guy. We sort of bonded over a mutual interest in Pro speakers, he has a large collection of EV and all kinds of electronics. He has several turntables. He has Dynaudio C4's, I'm not sure what current electronis but he collects a lot of stuff. This kid has the passion. A couple guys are techs, many like most clubs have various backgrounds.
A young guy maybe 20 give or take did some yard work for me, we talked some and he mentioned he had some old Fisher speakers and some LP's but nothing else. I gave him an old Kenwood integrated I was saving in a closet and told him how he could hook his phone up to it for now and use his speakers.
Everyone who wears earbuds maybe considered a potential customer but I bet few are audiophiles or become one. I also feel there are audiophiles out there that may not realize they are or what is out there for them. So it doesn't hurt the think of the four words. An audiophile is like a bud that hasn't bloomed, it's not something you create.
I think I have mentioned here before my oldest daughter wants to lay claim to my LP's for some reason, she has no turntable or desire for a stereo. I ask what will you do with my LP's, she says listen to them. Really? It may break her heart but I'd rather give them to someone like my grandson's girlfriend. I mean it was sensing the passion that made me give my amp away. I've also given other stuff to those who have the passion but this post is already long and I don't want to boast. It's not that I am rich or anything, I just wish someone would have helped me along the way. I feel if someone has the passion they will charish those gifts.
I took my grandson to Axpona a couple years ago, I gave him a turntable and a small system. He is more into cars and video games. Audio/music is a passion that I feel you have to be born with, you have it or not, it's not just something you do or pick up, like you would Pickle Ball. That's they way it is with me. I can identify with most anyone into audio because I started out with a suitcase record player as a small child and have been on a journey that has not stopped. I know what it's like to only have the money for a receiver and drool over the gear I read about in Stereophile or TAS.
My grandson and his girlfriend just graduated high school last May. His girlfriend plays trumpet in school band that's where they met. She went with us to see Foreigner, she was a big fan, I learned she claimed her sister's record player and some of her dad's LP's. I invited them over to hear my system, she really didn't say much, she is fairly quite and don't know me well, I didn't want to ask what she thought. I could tell though she was excited when I gave her a LP of Woodstock. I'd bet at some point this girl will have some type of system. Life will probably dictate how far she goes into it.
We have a local audio club, one member I met when he was like 21, he is still in his 20's and works for a local TV station, I think actually a camera/tech guy. We sort of bonded over a mutual interest in Pro speakers, he has a large collection of EV and all kinds of electronics. He has several turntables. He has Dynaudio C4's, I'm not sure what current electronis but he collects a lot of stuff. This kid has the passion. A couple guys are techs, many like most clubs have various backgrounds.
A young guy maybe 20 give or take did some yard work for me, we talked some and he mentioned he had some old Fisher speakers and some LP's but nothing else. I gave him an old Kenwood integrated I was saving in a closet and told him how he could hook his phone up to it for now and use his speakers.
Everyone who wears earbuds maybe considered a potential customer but I bet few are audiophiles or become one. I also feel there are audiophiles out there that may not realize they are or what is out there for them. So it doesn't hurt the think of the four words. An audiophile is like a bud that hasn't bloomed, it's not something you create.
I think I have mentioned here before my oldest daughter wants to lay claim to my LP's for some reason, she has no turntable or desire for a stereo. I ask what will you do with my LP's, she says listen to them. Really? It may break her heart but I'd rather give them to someone like my grandson's girlfriend. I mean it was sensing the passion that made me give my amp away. I've also given other stuff to those who have the passion but this post is already long and I don't want to boast. It's not that I am rich or anything, I just wish someone would have helped me along the way. I feel if someone has the passion they will charish those gifts.
X 2
Agree!
And that's one of the reasons why they don't go far in the hobby and even move away.
We understand the world through reason but assimilate it through the senses.
Do the colors exist?
No.
And yet do we or do we not see different colors?
So why should someone insist on "listening" to technical specifications? That´s a dead end, for sure.
Agree!
Agree!
Agree!