W9TR
Super Member
Yes, it’s all a matter of perspective. Here’s my take.
These are the good old days! I can buy an incredible sounding DAC (Topping D50) for $200. Matter a fact I just did. I can get a decent integrated for a few dollars more. There are a plethora of really good turntables and cartridges out there for vinyl lovers. Low cost speakers have never sounded better. The KEF Q50 is selling routinely for under a grand.
But apart from the KEF there is little to no mainstream coverage of these products.
What has changed is that without brick and mortar stores the internet and forums like this one are the only way to find these hidden gems.
Why most audio magazines focus on $20,000 DAC’s and $10,000 phono cartridges is clear. They have to make money and subscriptions are a small part of their overall revenue stream. I just wish they would publish more bargain component reviews. Wait - some of these low dollar units are so good they’ll embarrass their high end brethren!
These are the good old days! I can buy an incredible sounding DAC (Topping D50) for $200. Matter a fact I just did. I can get a decent integrated for a few dollars more. There are a plethora of really good turntables and cartridges out there for vinyl lovers. Low cost speakers have never sounded better. The KEF Q50 is selling routinely for under a grand.
But apart from the KEF there is little to no mainstream coverage of these products.
What has changed is that without brick and mortar stores the internet and forums like this one are the only way to find these hidden gems.
Why most audio magazines focus on $20,000 DAC’s and $10,000 phono cartridges is clear. They have to make money and subscriptions are a small part of their overall revenue stream. I just wish they would publish more bargain component reviews. Wait - some of these low dollar units are so good they’ll embarrass their high end brethren!