Question Will Hi-Fi Disappear Within a Generation?

[Fandango Andy]

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.

 

[BenWatts]

Let's consider each assertion with a critical view. Everyone comes with its one.
And then : so what? Our world is about to disappear. There is no real worry to have about hifi.

Loudness has became the standard on many mainstream supports. Blue Note, Deutsche Grammophon and others carry on crafting good supports. Tidal & Qobuz are continuously improving their services that are quite good for the moment.

Servers to provide files are consuming too much energy and are bound to disappear.
Raw materials as well are more and more complex to extract in awful conditions (kids in the mine....) to extract rare earths.
Problems of supply chain (cobalts & political tensions), recycling (terrible impact on the environment) and substitution : no alternative.

I didn't get your point. Hifi disappearance... ok but after that?

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

In answer to the OP, I doubt it. Will probably shrink as a market, but that's not the same as disappear.

 

[RoA]

First explain what 'Hifi' is. A decent set of headphones and a phone can imho easily be Hifi.

If we are talking lavish High-End, such as shown at the Munich show ... yes, I believe it will slowly dminish if not completely die out. The 50 pluses that usually attend this sort of event and which have the necessary disposable income will have gone but there will always be the odd oligarch.

The reason High end as above will disappear is simply modern living. We do not have the space anymore that the last few generations had. Living spaces are getting smaller and property more expensive.

 

[abacus]

NO, its a niche market already and will remain so.

Bill