In article , Keith G
wrote:



Vinyl is stronger than it has been for the last two decades - every
turntable manufacturer in the world has brought out new models and even
people like MF and EAR have got into it. Competition for high quality
turntables and vinyl accessories on eBay is ferocious, cartridge/deck
manufacturers are bringing out new models and the DJ scene has never
been healthier!

You lost. Get over it....

Well, I continue, each year, to ask my undergrad classes about the audio
systems they have, etc. During the last few years *none* of them said they
have any LPs/Vinyl or any means of replaying them. The general reaction is
puzzlement why anyone would. Occasionally one says something like, "You
mean like DJs/Grandad use?", though.

There are still, of course, many people like myself who have a 'legacy'
collection of LPs, so have means of playing them. When I play one I tend to
enjoy it, but alas I also still often find the pops and crackles or the wow
of off-center pressings noticable. I am also increasingly aware of the
potential difficulty of obtaining replacement stylii for decades-old
cartridges.

There are also, of course, some people with a special interest, and the
audio magazines cater to many of these. However my impression is that they
are only a tiny fraction of the general population of the UK. Indeed, when
I discuss 'hifi' with most people they seem utterly baffled by the
behaviour of 'audio enthusiasts'. Increasingly, I find I meet people who
have never seen an LP, let alone listened to one.

Hence I find the implication that Vinyl has 'won' rather odd...

I suspect that there are still makers of horse whips and riding tackle,
supplying a niche market. Similarly, my impression is that Vinyl has
*survived* as a tiny niche market, within another niche market. This is
fine for those who like to ride a horse or play an LP, but given the status
and scope of these activities in earlier decades, I would not call it a
'win'.

Slainte,

Jim

--
Electronics http://www.st-and.ac.uk/~www_pa/Scot...o/electron.htm
Audio Misc http://www.st-and.demon.co.uk/AudioMisc/index.html
Armstrong Audio http://www.st-and.demon.co.uk/Audio/armstrong.html
Barbirolli Soc. http://www.st-and.demon.co.uk/JBSoc/JBSoc.html