Question Will Hi-Fi Disappear Within a Generation?

[Fandango Andy]

I think if it was going to die off it would have already done so. There's still some life and demand there for a while I think.

I think it will shrink and become more specialist, which is a continuation of something that probably started 40 years ago. But it will reach a point, possibly quite soon where it finds its new level, where it will remain until there is a major change in technology.

 

[Fandango Andy]

I used to buy Blu-ray and even 4K Blu-ray disks fairly regularly until the last few years. It’s related to cinema audiences dropping. Very few decent films any more. DEI is killing Hollywood.

I was paying a fortune for a newspaper to be delivered. Acquisition of an iPad allowed me to subscribe digitally for a fraction of the price and allows me to read the paper anywhere in the world.

Youngsters don’t want to visit pubs. Drinks too expensive and drink / drive laws make it difficult. The influx of many foreigners who don’t drink alcohol is also a factor.

Back to the original question. No but the number interested in it will reduce. Everything is about what a smartphone can do. It can’t do hi-fi except to run a streamer app. Consequently prices for equipment might rise making it a niche market.

I’m happy with my kit. I just wish I hadn’t suffered an attack of viral labyrinthitis that has reduced treble in one ear. But I’m still breathing which has to be a positive. 👍

Prices in general have probably kept pace with inflation, and a new entry level has appeared. It will be interesting to see how things develop.

 

[nopiano]

40 years ago there were 3 hi-fi shops in Wilmslow and three in Stockport. One in Alderley Edge.

That’s down to zero in Wilmslow, one in Stockport (Richer Sounds) and zero in Alderley Edge.

This is a well-off area with Porsche and Aston Martin showrooms. Football’s golden triangle is very close. Prestbury, Alderley and Wilmslow.

No shortage of money. Just no real desire for hi-fi. My nearest quality outlet is in Warrington. Central Manchester is closer but no parking outside the shop.

That made me realise Wilmslow Audio isn’t in Wilmslow!

 

[Fandango Andy]

Everybody has the same record collection
Everybody has the same film collection
Everybody has the same book collection
Just the means of replay/Viewing has changed

Hifi has been in decline for 40years now
Mobile & Active speaker all 99% of the planet Needs , Wants or in Budget

The 1% will continue to buy Hifi & Physical media
Big Streamer & Big Active speakers

that all makes sense. I think more than 1% will buy HiFi if only because people (mainly men) are boys at heart, and boys love toys.

 

[Fandango Andy]

40 years ago there were 3 hi-fi shops in Wilmslow and three in Stockport. One in Alderley Edge.

That’s down to zero in Wilmslow, one in Stockport (Richer Sounds) and zero in Alderley Edge.

This is a well-off area with Porsche and Aston Martin showrooms. Football’s golden triangle is very close. Prestbury, Alderley and Wilmslow.

No shortage of money. Just no real desire for hi-fi. My nearest quality outlet is in Warrington. Central Manchester is closer but no parking outside the shop.

We still have plenty in and around Birmingham, but probably half as many as 25 years ago.