[CharlieU]

I think I have the answer.....Time! Audiophiles are rare in the general population. To most people, music is the "soundtrack" of life. It's there in the background adding a little something to the moment, but it's not their focus. Very few people in their early years have or want to take the time to really listen to music. As we Boomers move into retirement we start having the time to just sit there and listen. It's then that we realize the $500 system that was so good for so long really doesn't sound quite right. Those with the disposable income then go out and buy the audiophile grade equipment. Boomers are a large percentage of the population and even if it's only a small percentage of the group doing this, the industry is going to see a surge in sales. Will this cycle continue with the follow on generations?

I'm 54. I like rock, pop and alternative. I enjoy Britney Spears just as much as the Beatles. I don't like classical or jazz. Take a look at the catalog of high quality music recordings. If you have tastes like mine, the pickings are pretty slim. I don't have a high end system, but I sure can tell when the source material is poor quality. Where is the incentive to buy audiophile grade equipment when the source material isn't going to sound any better? Gen X,Y and Z will be there to keep the high end sales going only if the recording industry provides them a reason.