High-End Audio Faces a Reckoning

When I first started in this hobby a tricked out high end system phono/pre/power/speakers was $2-3,000. Inflation to today probably makes that $10,000.

I absolutely think that I can buy a system for 7-8,000 today that is substantialy better than than the tricked out system back then.

It’s just that now there are sooooo many systems that are better than existed before - of course at a substantial bump up in price.

It’s easy to loose perspective on things.
 
nicoff said:
The traditional audiophile base is aging, and most have already bought their “last Cadillac.” Younger listeners aren’t chasing esoteric gear — they’re buying measurement-driven products from companies like Topping, SMSL, Benchmark, RME and a few others that deliver state-of-the-art performance at a fraction of the price.

Digital technology has closed the gap. Transparent DACs, amps, and streamers now cost hundreds, not tens of thousands. Once transparency is reached, the old narrative of “dramatic differences” collapses.

The market for boutique brands is shrinking fast. To survive, many will have to reposition themselves as luxury lifestyle goods — just as watchmakers did when quartz made mechanical precision irrelevant.

Many names will vanish. Others will be absorbed. The era of “absolute sound” in the high-end is giving way to an era of “absolute branding”.

That’s my take.
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This all sounds good. Better products for cheaper? Count me in.
 
Mike said:
Many things have increased more than 2.5 times. Just look at cars. Some things, have actually gotten less expensive in relative terms. But so has their quality and longevity.
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A 911 turbo in 1981 cost the same today inflated. The most expensive speakers in 1981 was the infinity IRS @ 25K , even inflated in todays monies , Wouldnt pay for a small Magico….

So Audio prices is what has become ridiculously inflated :)
 
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You must have bought a lot of options. :) Even so, the new ones are pushing $300,000+ w options.

However — To compare the 1981 911 turbo with the new turbos is like comparing apples and oranges which makes any price comparison moot. Just like comparing the 1980 IRS with the new top speakers is moot. There are many speakers out there under the adjusted 3X increase ($75,000 in this case) that imo trounce the sound quality of the IRS let alone the top models that exist today.

As an aside - To get a Porsche that out performs that 1981 911 Turbo you only need to spend around $75,000 for a current 718 coup base model. 300hp/4.7 0-60 and certainly corners better. An inflation adjusted bargain - especially using your pricing. Ironically- it’s a turbo.
 
Its not the point , the performance metric being discussed is pricing.

The IRS represented the pinnacle of high end in 81 especially by cost , SQ is an opinion not fact based as prices are ..!
There is no doubt in any reasonable person’s mind , loudspeaker cost today as well as many sectors of audio is bonkers on prices ..!

Is a 750K speaker today justifiable? far less than a 24K , 4 tower IRS 2 IMO …!

The 930T was peak porsche in 81, its cost is on par with a similar turbo today.. feature for feature cars are cheaper today than decades ago..

750K or there about is what a top tier loudspeaker sells for today ..!

Cant imagine who think such a price is a steal …! :)


Regards

PS: Name the 75K loudspeaker beating an IRS V today , i can accept that challenge willingly and raise you one that you have never really heard an IRS V
 
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