I flipped through a recent Stereophile issue, no deep dive, but see that they have considerable coverage of several under $10k products, including: new NAD integrateds, an Audio Note integrated, Emotiva, new JBL speakers, Eversolo speakers, LAiV monoblocks,J. Sikora Aspire, Onkyo Icon A-50 Integrated, Wattson Emerson Digital network streamer, and the HiFi Rose RD160 D/A processor. A few of these were short new product announcements, but several were extensive articles, some with a full set of measurements. More ink was devoted to these products than what most would consider the high priced stuff. Whether that's enough or whether the content suits us is subjective-we all have our own opinion- but the volume of coverage of less expensive vs more expensive gear is easily ascertained. For me, the big publications deserve some of the criticism that's come their way, but I can't fault their effort to cover lower cost gear. One caveat-if someone is looking for coverage of the very bottom of the range-sub $1,000-you are likely left to the YouTubers-good luck.
I'm leaving high end audio...
- Thread starter Michaels HiFi
- Start date
Mr Peabody
Well-known member
What's Hi Fi caters to the entry level for the most part. Future Audiophile does a mix of ranges you can certainly see some entry level, they've even reviewed Fozi and a good amount of Chi-fi.
I don't know how many of you are on social media there are a good number of younger guys getting into audio. Vintage is still going strong. These guys are shopping thrift or online marketplaces to see what they can find and put together. It's almost like a brag to put a system together for little investment. There is hope, I think I mentioned in an earlier post that those starting with Wiim some are upgrading and finding it worthwhile. There's a section of the hobby that likes to tinker, I can't believe the crap speakers they are taking the time and money to re-foam and restore.
What we are exposed to shapes our opinions would account for the various responses.
With brands like Fozi and other Chi-fi you can get into audio cheap. Look at the Yamaha 301 or Dayton Audio HTA 100 or 200, various NAD, this is decent sound with features for not much money either. When I started out getting a receiver was the primary goal. I think those getting into audio have more options these days than I was aware of 50 years ago. It's not all doom and gloom just because there's 6 figure price tags for those willing don't mean the hobby is going to hell.
I don't know how many of you are on social media there are a good number of younger guys getting into audio. Vintage is still going strong. These guys are shopping thrift or online marketplaces to see what they can find and put together. It's almost like a brag to put a system together for little investment. There is hope, I think I mentioned in an earlier post that those starting with Wiim some are upgrading and finding it worthwhile. There's a section of the hobby that likes to tinker, I can't believe the crap speakers they are taking the time and money to re-foam and restore.
What we are exposed to shapes our opinions would account for the various responses.
With brands like Fozi and other Chi-fi you can get into audio cheap. Look at the Yamaha 301 or Dayton Audio HTA 100 or 200, various NAD, this is decent sound with features for not much money either. When I started out getting a receiver was the primary goal. I think those getting into audio have more options these days than I was aware of 50 years ago. It's not all doom and gloom just because there's 6 figure price tags for those willing don't mean the hobby is going to hell.
Michaels HiFi
Well-known member
- Thread Author
- #123
I do think part of the reason why you see so many videos on cheap chi-fi is they AGGRESSIVELY push to content creators and offer them things to make videos and such.
I think I'm up to email #9 or something like that from Fosi in the last month or so trying to get me to make content on them.
Clearly they are barking up the wrong tree with me. LOL
Mr Peabody
Well-known member
While I'm on a coffee fueled roll, LOL I have to hand it to brands like Yamaha, Marantz, now Rotel and NAD was always in there, for offering products that start with a few hundred and goes up from there. The difference being a complete line. Yamaha for example, I mentioned the 301 integrated that sells for about $399 then the line stair steps up to their separates for about $10k each. The Yamaha analog integrated amps are excellent.
Feanor
Active member
By the way, this strategy is called "market stratification", meaning get the MAX each is willing to pay from all levels of consumers, from plutocrats to paupers. It's a strategy that works for many types of merchandise.