[baldrick]

I think there's some fallacy in your presumption there baldrick.  Wouldn't you agree that the audio rag might have a vested interest in keeping the image of newer is better alive?  No where else on this site, and many others, are the opinions of audio rags held in much esteem, so why in this case? 

The descriptions were completely plausible or I would not have mentioned it.  The article was a general interest one, not a review-advert.

And would you say a 2011 Kia Optima is a better car than a 1985-Lamborghini Countach?

In terms of reliability, fuel efficiency, noise, vibration & harshness, engine and suspension longevity, yes.  But the two are in completely different classes.  I don't doubt for one minute that a 1970's era Audio Research Dual-100 (in good repair) will sound better today than a 2011 Bose Wave Radio.  Let's all be reasonable with our comparisons.

Can any Kia bring you the excitement of a Lamborghini, I think not. 

Never.  That's why so many of us love well built vintage tube gear.  Me included.

[Letitroll98]

I can pretty much concede your points, good comebacks.  But what took you so long?   

[baldrick]

I've been busy building my latest project...

 

[JakeJ]

Breadboarding without the board! 

[TONEPUB]

When you hear something that just sounds better, you cannot unhear it. Simple as that.

This is a really excellent observation...

And what it depends on most is your budget, your time, etc.  Some people are more obsessed than others and there is no right or wrong.  But most audio companies are still run by people that are just as obsessed as we are to make it better and not leave well enough alone.

It's certainly not marketing hype from the manufacturers, precious few companies in the high end even make enough money to have a marketing department.

The OP's thread just sounds like so many I see on other boards.  If you can't afford/justify the money to upgrade to the latest gear, you find a way to dismiss those that do.  That seems to be the popular trend these days.

Seriously, if you enjoy the system you have that's great, but why do you always feel the need to try and make it sound like those that are more obsessed are wrong?  There really is no wrong here.

[Levi]

I am not sure if I am posting at the right place, therefore you can move my topic somewhere else where it's more appropriate.

Hi all Audio Circle members.
Just some thoughts I want to share with you.

Why some products that were good when they were first  launched 5-10-15+ years ago and that were produce and sold by the millions of units, suddenly are no good anymore today or do not satisfy anymore the people who bought them ?

A new product supposedly better, improved and more performant is offered, replacing the older product that becomes now obsolete, does that mean that the older products is no good anymore? It becomes no good overnight !
I think not.

However, that’s sometimes the impression I get.
If you choose carefully (Any) product, you will keep it for many years and it will satisfy you for years to come.
Of course there are exceptions, like a lemon car.
(GM Corvair, or Vauxhall…)

Tubes amplifiers with point to point wiring is a good example of a good investment, which in my opinion have a life span of up to 50 years, which mans that even if the same manufacturer comes with a new more efficient, better designed unit, your purchase will still be a good investment and will performed as good as when you bought it and for the reason you bought it.

Why should you not be happy with your purchase that is now obsolete or out of style or of old technology, what as changed since the time you bought it?

To keep up with all the latest technology, with the improved performances and with the latest gadgets these days, it will cost you mucho $ $ $.

With all the money I spend on the past on trying to keep up with the new and more advanced cameras, (Photography is my favorite hobby with audio stuff) I could have today lots of $ $ $ invested in my retirement fund, but unfortunately, I did not do that, when I was young, many years back, I wanted the latest technology, therefore, because of that, I will have to work until I am 70, 75 or maybe even until I am 80 years old… This is a fact.

Maybe I am a nostalgic man, but I do like older products, even if they don’t have all the latest gadgets and bells and whistle and are not of the latest technology. 

Why do people always want to have the latest in technology and style, etc… ? Computers, cell phones, TV, etc…

What’s wrong with old stuff, if it works right and still does what it was doing when you bought it and you are happy with it?
Always wanting to have the best and the latest and keep up with the Jones is to me like a disease…

Please don’t get me wrong, I am not against new technology, I would not imagine myself still watching black & white television and my next TV will be a high resolution flat screen TV.

I know that the manufacturer cannot produce old stuff if there is not demand for it and still producing that old stuff in minimal quantities would make their prices prohibitive.

Think what you want, but this is my opinion, as always:
For what it’s worth.
Guy 13

Note:
Maybe one or several Audio Circle members agree with me and would like to add something to the above using different words.

It is because your old Black and White TV is no longer fun to watch.  People don't want to take cold showers anymore when hot water is available and more relaxing. 

[JLM]

Another factor is changes in market "taste".  The audio goals seem to have changed in the past 40 years (the how and why could spur more threads).  Used to be big flabby bass (sounds like a song I don't want to think about   ) was in.  Now it's lean and tight (constipated in comparison).  This trend can be found elsewhere in audio IME.

Now I'll agree that reproduction has gotten more resolved (in terms of detail/imaging) and yes in general priorities have shifted from being a hands on hobby for nerds to a remote controlled computer programmed geekfest.