- Jun 10, 2020
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I’ve recently been told that there will be no such thing as Hi-Fi within a generation. A bold claim, but is it true? And what does the future really hold? Personally, I think the landscape won’t look all that different here are a few thoughts.
We’re unlikely to see any brand-new formats for physical media, which means CDs and vinyl records will still be with us. Without new formats, there’ll be no new sources. CD players will probably move towards being transport-only, as most people will already own a DAC. The vinyl bubble may eventually burst, but it will never truly disappear, while the cassette revival is likely to fizzle out.
On the electronics side, could Class D become the dominant choice at both entry-level and high-end, thanks to its discreet compact size? If so, perhaps Class A/B will be left to mid-range specialists and die-hard enthusiasts. Streamers with built-in screens are becoming more common, will we start seeing more music streaming directly via our TV sets? And as the market changes, expect fewer brands as mergers continue and some companies inevitably fall away.
AI will play a growing role in loudspeaker design, making speakers easier to position and more forgiving of less-than-perfect placement, even when sitting on shelves or benches. Similarly, home acoustic treatments will become less obtrusive, more affordable, and, with AI’s help, easier to set up for optimal results.
So, while the tools and technology may evolve, Hi-Fi is a means to an end, and still the best way to listen to music, so will be with us for many years to come. And, people will still be arguing over cables, and upgrade unnecessarily in their pursuit of unicorns.
We’re unlikely to see any brand-new formats for physical media, which means CDs and vinyl records will still be with us. Without new formats, there’ll be no new sources. CD players will probably move towards being transport-only, as most people will already own a DAC. The vinyl bubble may eventually burst, but it will never truly disappear, while the cassette revival is likely to fizzle out.
On the electronics side, could Class D become the dominant choice at both entry-level and high-end, thanks to its discreet compact size? If so, perhaps Class A/B will be left to mid-range specialists and die-hard enthusiasts. Streamers with built-in screens are becoming more common, will we start seeing more music streaming directly via our TV sets? And as the market changes, expect fewer brands as mergers continue and some companies inevitably fall away.
AI will play a growing role in loudspeaker design, making speakers easier to position and more forgiving of less-than-perfect placement, even when sitting on shelves or benches. Similarly, home acoustic treatments will become less obtrusive, more affordable, and, with AI’s help, easier to set up for optimal results.
So, while the tools and technology may evolve, Hi-Fi is a means to an end, and still the best way to listen to music, so will be with us for many years to come. And, people will still be arguing over cables, and upgrade unnecessarily in their pursuit of unicorns.
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