The ugly truth behind HiFi’s growing infatuation with nostalgia

kiwi_1282001 said:
The author answered his own question. There is a market for "retro-themed" vintage looking products. An "infatuation with nostalgia" might have something to do with the fact that audiophiles are aging.
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My take is that young folks are the ones who are more interested in the retro looks. They do it for aesthetics as opposed to the sound. Plus they are also interested in convenience.
To capitalize on that trend, many well known manufacturers (Klipsch, JBL, McIntosh, et.) now offer retro-looking powered speakers which allow the convenience of streaming from a mobile phone ('look ma! No wires!').
 
I want to get a furniture console unit with the built in speakers and flip top with access the the TT. It is almost mandatory to have the weaved cloth speaker grills.
 
My Volti speakers look very retro and the red gum veneer is fantastic. Their looks got my attention and their performance closed the deal. I guess I am just old and nostalgic.
 
And AJ has to go make it interesting. I could actually put a piece like that in my house, and my wife would love it. And actually I would enjoy to look at it. As long as it sounded good. I actually believe a piece like that would be a good way to get people into a decent stereo. Something that sounds good and looks good in a small Apt/Condo. Even a home with kids and stuff. Looks physically protected.
 
Kingrex said:
And AJ has to go make it interesting. I could actually put a piece like that in my house, and my wife would love it. And actually I would enjoy to look at it. As long as it sounded good. I actually believe a piece like that would be a good way to get people into a decent stereo. Something that sounds good and looks good in a small Apt/Condo. Even a home with kids and stuff. Looks physically protected.
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I actually had no idea they were still making stuff like that till I Googled and found the one linked, audiophile price included. Maybe I'll have to do an unaudiophile one with force cancelling cardioid bass etc. Throw in some tubes and weave for that retro feel.

cheers,

AJ
 
Describing Fyne as "a speaker manufacturer barely old enough to be out of nursery", without mentioning its connection to Tannoy and the massive 90+ year history there, is extremely sloppy.
 
IMO, there's a difference between "retro" and "Timeless"

PT Cruiser is retro-----Audi R8 Spyder is timeless


Crosley plastic old time radios are retro----TiVoli radios timeless


Timeless serve a function....retro serves a visual
 
nicoff said:
My take is that young folks are the ones who are more interested in the retro looks. They do it for aesthetics as opposed to the sound. Plus they are also interested in convenience.
To capitalize on that trend, many well known manufacturers (Klipsch, JBL, McIntosh, et.) now offer retro-looking powered speakers which allow the convenience of streaming from a mobile phone ('look ma! No wires!').
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Exactly. Look at the highend watch community, there are many reissues of classic Rolex, Omega and Breitling watches.
 
CPP said:
Jeff, which Rolex watch got reissued ?
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There has been several including the one I own, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss. Discontinued in the 1980's at brought back in 2007 due to the high demand in the used market.
 
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