Thoughts on CES 2017 | Stereophile

A compilation of audio industry perspectives on CES 2017.

Music:
"Departure Suite - Pt I" - Jake Shimabukuro
"F Minor" - Jake Shimabukuro

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[MattRichardsonX]

The best video on CES that I've seen. In the end, it's really about the people who like and use the stuff.

[oliverbutcher]

Love this! I think you nailed the formality. Looking forward to seeing more things like this.

[bennyr]

My first trip to CES was wonderful! I was 19, I met Stan Warren(my audio hero), and I'm still using the 250 wpc amp he made for me.

[ProjectOverseer]

I first got into audiophile audio systems in the late 70's though the bug really bit throughout the 80's.
I would visit as many HiFi shows as possible, and the excitement was always around systems that people could actually afford
It's no secret that the law of diminishing returns starts to kick in pretty fast once a certain level of quality is reached. It's great hearing and seeing super high end kit, but Once a HiFi starts to cost more than your house you know your buying more than sound. You're buying exotic luxury components and finish. Turntables that weigh as much as a small car and resemble fine jewellery, but we all know it's possible at a reasonable price to build finely balanced electronics that exhibit audiophile levels of sound and musicality.
Today's shows are filled with people like me (old farts) who remember the golden years.
I'm flabbergasted to hear many of the same demo recordings still being used over 30 years later - if I hear another Dire Straits record 😜
Anyway, I know I don't need to spend stupid amounts of money to achieve audiophile heaven ... the recording is the first link in the chain. Vinyl has a great sound, and CD's are a digital compromise compared to what's really possible - I know (since I come from a studio sound engineering background) that any mastered recording is an "opinion" based on what an engineer thought sounded cool. We buy HiFi's on what we think sounds cool - also there's the "my cocks bigger than yours, brigade" who will buy with pleasure, super expensive kit because they can. The majority though look for value.
The buzz of the 80's needs to be revitalised so youngsters can get involved. It is kind of happening with the rebirth of vinyl but dig deeper and you'll discover it's being bought for different reasons.
I'm buying vinyl again because it can sound superb, my sons buy it because it's cool to own classic rereleases and pin them to your bedroom wall.
btw, I heard a demonstration the other day on a 100k Turntable. The guy claims studio levels of resolution and accuracy - sorry, no ... vinyl won't ever sound like the studio master, though I will agree the magic of vinyl can often make it sound more pleasing, mainly due to colourations the human ear/brain finds preferable.
Bring back amazing budget systems that sound & look cool (digital & vinyl) and you might find younger people taking an interest. 🎶👍

[salvadorrodenas]

I like Stereophile and I want to see reviews over products maybe only one por cent audiophiles can buy. These products is what makes us all dream about hi-fi equipment and we can somehow we induce ourshelves that we own in not that far behind, really. Speaking of ageing people in this hobby and all that surround it, well, nothing is ever lasting. Enjoy while you can.

[ugpfpv]

They need to open it up to the public for at least a day.

[Audfile]

Can we get someone under 80 years old for these videos? That might help grow the market some.

[MarshallGuthrie]

The video turned out great for on on-the-spot production. What camera/microphone were you using?

[terrykemp]

High End audio is dying a death, in its present state. The people in this video have made a healthy living from the audio industry and are the ones who can afford the over priced equipment associated with it. They were the ones that went from outdated 78's vinyl and CDs. The younger generation don't see the need to spend thousands on equipment, when it can be played on computers and high resolution equipment, that cost a fraction of the price and do not take up as much space as current audiophile equipment, as seen at CES and other audio shows around the world. The current lack of interest is reflected in the lack of attendance, as the elderly audiophiles die out.

[MichaelThompson-gypz]

It's impossible to listen to any equipment at these expositions. They are populated by (mostly) Asian men who will not shut up. It's a meeting place for industry cronies who are not interested in attracting new customers. They are responsible for their own demise. RIP.

[meshplates]

Peter McGrath: absolutely right. Well said. But then a musician or passionate lover of music is not likely to be an audiophule.audiophile. music>sound.

[Harish]

BTW, can any one tell me what CES stands for

[klbird]

Most of these people are way over 40. Where are the young minds in high end audio today? We get the same old review crap in Stereophile by old farts for products that only the 1% can afford, if they buy any audio at all.
. No wonder the industry is in its death throes.

[hifijohn]

I gave up on high end audio many years ago. arrogant snobbish atitude, insane prices, too many snake oil salesman. every year more and more products are introduced to a smaller and smaller market.a freind went to a hifi show a few years ago and he said the average age was in the 50's!! since nobody young is getting into it it doesnt have many years left before it completely disappeares.

[Audfile]

And someone get Atkinson a god damn haircut.

[robertjermantowicz]

All is delusion! See Ken Bird's comment!