"Serge Auckland" wrote



I think you've put your finger on the reason for the current state of
"high-end" that seems to be all about architectural, sculptural, aesthetic
(choose your own term) appeal. It has nothing to do with sound quality
which is, as I think many of us agree, already of a very high order.
Consequently, what now distinguishes the high-end from the "normal" stuff
is the machined-out-of-solid casework, turntables that could easily hold
up the Parthenon, 'speakers that could *be* the Parthenon and so on. It's
moved on from a quest for audio "perfection" to something that enhances
the decor, becomes a talking point with visitors, or is just pleasing to
look at. Much like a statue, painting or any other objet d'art.


Absolutely, but is it really such a bad thing?

There's a scale (passing through good VFM) from cheap crap to OTT bling in
all things manufactured/purchased - food, clothing, furniture, tools, sports
equipment &c, but my favourite analogy for hifi is the subject of cars -
nowadays, they mostly all do the job they are designed for pretty well and
they are within the scope of anybody who is old enough to drive (more's the
pity). Cheaper models now have all the features that used to be only on the
most expensive marques and its up to the individual (and his
requirements/resources) as to what he spends his money on. (Apologies to the
Grammar Police...) In both cars and hifi, it's the top end of the market
that sets the standards and it's only a good thing when the cheaper (VFM)
stuff catches up, IMO...

There is no *need* to buy the biggest/best that money can afford and there
will be occasions and circumstances when this wouldn't be the best way
forward anyway, but the choice is there for anyone sufficiently interested
in it or whose lifestyle (and social standing?) requires it. POQ differs
with the individual and, although I probably would not go for silly-priced
gear myself, even if I could afford it, I don't blame anyone who does if
they don't have to sell a kidney to get it.

(Interestingly, it seems a common thing for the hoi polloi to scream
at/about those who do choose to spend at the 'bling' end of the spectrum but
I have yet to hear a 'bling purchaser' do the same to the people buying the
cheaper stuff...??)

There was a time when good 'hifi' sound was the exclusive province of people
like 'surveyors', bank managers and dentists (Quad Squad), the irony is that
now anyone can afford it seems they've let the standards of the
recorded/broadcast music *itself* go to the point where the 'quality' of the
kit matters less now than it ever did, provided the kit has enough poke to
get the sound levels high enough..!!

Just my toupee.....