Have Audiophiles and the Audiophile Press Become Irrelevant?

[Ricky64]

I would be curious in knowing what percent of audio dollar purchases are made by the uber wealthy, who really aren't "shopping around" for their equipment, and perhaps aren't critical listeners, but simply "want the best". For me, I want excellent sound, but there is a significant opportunity cost for my purchase. I need to do research to maximize my dollar. Also, for those of us that are hobbyists in audio, we like to spend thought energy to solve equipment "problems".
So yes, I suspect there are fewer of us audiophile hobbyists, who enjoy committing time to research equipment. I also believe there is a larger uber wealthy class that are spending large dollars, (this being recognized by manufacturers), who simply call a trusted dealer and accept a recommendation without spending a great deal of time with reviews. They are not hobbyists, nor do the consult the audio press.

 

[Michaels HiFi]

who simply call a trusted dealer and accept a recommendation without spending a great deal of time with reviews. They are not hobbyists, nor do the consult the audio press.

I would think we could say the same of the people who buy Ferrari's, McLaren's, Rolex, etc. and other things as well.

I've never known a Ferrari or Rolex owner to read reviews before they purchases.

There are also a lot of "normal audiophiles" who don't take the time to research (I don't know what that means since this is 100% subjective hobby so reviews are worthless) who simply buy based on looks and such, or Steve Huff with his "my new reference" B.S. he spouts off every month when a new piece comes in.

I don't think it's an income/class issue but for some reason in this hobby people tend to bring that up. I don't see the same comments in car forums from Honda owners about those who buy Ferrari's and such.

 

[Ricky64]

I would think we could say the same of the people who buy Ferrari's, McLaren's, Rolex, etc. and other things as well.

I've never known a Ferrari or Rolex owner to read reviews before they purchases.

There are also a lot of "normal audiophiles" who don't take the time to research (I don't know what that means since this is 100% subjective hobby so reviews are worthless) who simply buy based on looks and such, or Steve Huff with his "my new reference" B.S. he spouts off every month when a new piece comes in.

I don't think it's an income/class issue but for some reason in this hobby people tend to bring that up. I don't see the same comments in car forums from Honda owners about those who buy Ferrari's and such.

I'm not being critical of these folks at all. Just analyzing the AI responses re the diminished impacts of audiophiles and the audio press. I believe a lot of total audio dollars are being spent outside of the middle ground that contains the audiophile hobbyists, who are more likely to consult the audio press.

 

[Mike]

I would be curious in knowing what percent of audio dollar purchases are made by the uber wealthy, who really aren't "shopping around" for their equipment, and perhaps aren't critical listeners, but simply "want the best". For me, I want excellent sound, but there is a significant opportunity cost for my purchase. I need to do research to maximize my dollar. Also, for those of us that are hobbyists in audio, we like to spend thought energy to solve equipment "problems".
So yes, I suspect there are fewer of us audiophile hobbyists, who enjoy committing time to research equipment. I also believe there is a larger uber wealthy class that are spending large dollars, (this being recognized by manufacturers), who simply call a trusted dealer and accept a recommendation without spending a great deal of time with reviews. They are not hobbyists, nor do the consult the audio press.

I think we have a pretty good data pool to pull from with over 15,000 customers. The biggest misconception is that those buying systems at the highest end are just doing so because they want to just buy gear. The reality is that they are all music fans. The music drives their interest in pursuing the ultimate in musical reproduction. Many have worked hard their whole lives, raised their kids, got them through college and NOW they’re pursuing that audio system that they’ve always dreamed of.

I would say roughly half do not consult any medium for advice, they trust the dealer. The other half have perused various mediums to get some ideas of what they may or may not like.

 

[Kramer64]

I think we have a pretty good data pool to pull from with over 15,000 customers. The biggest misconception is that those buying systems at the highest end are just doing so because they want to just buy gear. The reality is that they are all music fans. The music drives their interest in pursuing the ultimate in musical reproduction. Many have worked hard their whole lives, raised their kids, got them through college and NOW they’re pursuing that audio system that they’ve always dreamed of.

I would say roughly half do not consult any medium for advice, they trust the dealer. The other half have perused various mediums to get some ideas of what they may or may not like.

I think that's right. I've invested more in my system than I ever thought I would and I like it, but you guys sell DACs for what my whole system cost so I'm not sure where high end starts these days. I bought what I have because I like the sound and I could afford it without ignoring any obligations. I listen every day and it brings me peace. Certainly not trying to impress anyone-most of my listening is alone, sometimes with my lady friend who could care less., as long as I keep enough cash to pick up the dinner check. And I don't tell people what my audio stuff cost, even the ones rude enough to ask. I'll bet lots of your customers-likely higher end than me-are the same way. This idea that anyone who pays for good sound is making an ego purchase is a myth as best I can tell. Its just what we value-like some people value watches or cars.

 

[Projectman]

Ron - you are too stupid and have yet to come clean with how much Axiss is paying WBF for anything you say to be worthy of a response.

Your desperation to try and have a voice when your own platform won't let you talk about the HIFI Five you stole from Elliot when your two cohosts left you due to you stabbing them in the back. They didn't want to be associated with you.

You get smacked down as an owner repeatedly by one of your underling admins showing you are an owner in name only and no one takes you seriously. Neither Steve nor Tom want anything to do with you (as they so often admit).

And I hear you kept introducing yourself at AXPONA like people should know you and many did not. They were laughing about it afterwards.

And you weren't able to sell a single speaker in Beverly Hills - which is loaded with rich people - leading you to getting fired. for being so incompetent.

You got bigger things to worry about than what I say. BTW - from what I hear no one took you up on your plea for them to pay you at AXPONA.

The fact you are defending the mags - shows just how out of touch you are as the "public figure" you have yourself listed as on Facebook. All ego (and dyed hair) and no substance.

Oh and let's not forget your reputation - you ultimately either intentionally or just through incompetence end up stabbing in the back everyone you ever work with. No one left wants to risk being associated with you or WBF with the way they edit or delete threads depending on how much certain people pay you. You always seem to be shilling for the wrong side of the consumer.

When we were uncovering the true ways of WBF I went out of my way to defend you. It appears that belief in you was misguided and you are more ingrained with how WBF really operates than any of us imagined.

Thanks Ron and have a blessed day.

What a petty small minded man you must be. Attacking others with a long winded diatribe and saying nothing of value. People like you just enjoy throwing a turd on the table and walking away. I wish you would walk away.

 

[Mikado463]

I've read Stereophile since the JGH days and still enjoy the read. All one needs to understand is to be able to 'read between the lines' ..............