canonken
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OK, I'm sure there are *some* elements that were better in the past, but talking overall. For example, we ARE in a worse place when it comes to dealers (not as many places to hear gear).
Off the top of my head: --Generally speaking, there are really not 'bad' products anymore. Sure you might not like it, but you don't see the hacked together junk from decades past. The sound you can get from a $100 pair of Polk bookshelf speakers or a $299 integrated amp is fantastic. This seems to be due to competition, reviews, and the advancement/accessibility of engineering, testing. --The internet, and being able to find anything. --Shipping costs being low and allowing national and international distribution of gear without drama --The big one is having access to brands like Decware, Zu, Tekton, Schitt, Denafrips, the ACA, Magnepan LRS, and many others. --The other big one is hi-res music streaming. Even if you don't like streaming, you cannot argue having access to unlimited and endless songs for a month for the cost one one CD. Oh, and CDs are cheap and easy to buy online, at used stores, and you can rip them lossless to a server, too. And of course you have more hi-res download options. --Vinyl is back. However while I feel we are in a golden age of hardware but the records themselves are struggling (high demand, constrained production...hope this improves) --Especially for a budget audiophile, you can build an embarrassingly good system for $1,000 (speakers, amp, DAC...connect to streaming service), and step up to maybe $3,000 and you can get something like a Decware, pair of Caintuck or Zu, a DAC, a turntable, and have money left over for some accessories. A system like that could keep you happy and not wanting for more for decades.
Feel free to disagree with me (but hopefully it is more than 'well I just liked it better back in the day because...yeah!'), I am just curious to hear how you feel and view about the state of the industry today.
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