I've been disgusted with a lot of new high end audio gear for a while now. There are indeed a lot of new ridiculously expensive products chasing the money of the plutocracy. It also appears that if you don't price your fancy equipment at the 'fancy' end of the price spectrum, it will not carry enough cred and bragging rights and will not be taken seriously by the target market. IMO most of them do not really outperform lower priced well-designed equipment (not conjecture on my part; I've listened to some ridiculously priced set ups). And most of them do indeed have fancy and vulgar looking chassis and knobs complete with outlandish but carefully crafted marketing. I am sure a lot of cost has gone into the cosmetics and BS marketing. Jancis Robinson, the famed wine critic, recently stated that if there's one thing that she has learned in her long experience in the industry, it's that there is no correlation between price and quality (enjoyment). This applies equally to hifi.
BUT I think KK's view is wishful thinking. The pandemic will more likely hit the lower and middle class consumer very hard, putting them out of jobs and curtailing their spending. I actually think the hifi companies which serve the lower/mid end of the market will be the ones that will be decimated since they have lower margins and need to move a lot more units to survive. Perhaps those that put out truly very affordable gear may be spared. But the very rich will still be able to buy the luxury super expensive gear.
The "Class System" will likely be the first "Casualty". Has it occurred to anyone that this might be a totally outdated and unsustainable belief system?
I'm sitting at home listening to Wes Montgomery through a lovely system mostly made up of "Pre Loved" Components. One of which has Valves.
I've (chosen to) find that the Hi Fi Community is most inclusive. I've forged many friendships through this community; actually; I feel like it is more like a family.
We're bloody fortunate that our hobby- massively important for our Mental Health- is one that may be enjoyed indoors.
Let's not lose sight of that fact!
I rent my place. My Landlord hasn't really checked where I have lived for 16 years. I excitedly called them in to listen to my first Valve Amplifier nearly a year ago. They loved it!
To some, I wasted money last year. This year; particularly the last three weeks, this has proved to be a pretty useful investment. After a day of driving a largely empty bus around Greater London, this is a most relaxing way to spend time. If I'm in the mood, and neighbours aren't in, I can listen to music at "Realistic Volume Levels"...
This is Self Care that can be shared. I have held many Bake Off inspired Music Evenings. These became more popular; neighbours ask when the next one will be held...
Time to realise what we have, eat, drink, listen and be merry. That's life. F**k being fashionable and all that entails. We're discovering how meaningless this looks...