[Sedona Sky Sound]

Hello Kishore/DVV,
After playing with the Trinaural Processor for a few weeks (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=3046), I have to agree that 3-channel is far superior to Stereo (like the progression from Mono to Stereo). For those individuals that care nothing for Home Theater and just strive for the best stereo sound possible (via Phono, CD, or SACD), then the Trinaural is a no-brainer. For those that also like to watch movies (and can't place a big speaker right where the screen would go ), then the benefit is a little more subjective.

As for the Positive Feedback article, I already know a few folks that have several gig of music on a PC that is hooked up to some very nice equipment. A few songs sounded really bad but many I could not tell the difference between MP3 and CD. However, compared to some of the better SACDs, the downloaded music sounded terrible. I personally see the market dividing into multiple segments (strictly my own personal opinions based upon my own observations so please take this with a grain of salt):

The first segment is the true "audiophile": high quality 2-channel only (about half are into SS amps and SACD and the other half prefer tube amps and phono). This group is not necessarily dieing but doesn't seem like it will get any bigger.

The second segment is the experimental "audiophile": is willing to try multi-channel SACD/DVD-A as long as it does not harm their 2-channel experience that much. Also views the ability to watch movies in this set-up as an "added benefit". These folks are willing to experiment with downloading music but prefer not too since they do not like the fan noise from the PC. I think many on the AudioCircle forum fit into this category. Unfortunately, this segment also does not seem to be getting much bigger.  

The 3rd segment is the Videophile: These people primarily like Home Theater and view the ability to listen to music as an "added benfit". Many of the "Videophiles" I know are actively converting to Home Theater PCs. They are used to the fan noise of their CRT/LCD/DLP projector so the fan noise of the PC does not bother them. This group will be the first to embrace the new "audio revolution". They also have a tendency to dominate the online forums talking about how good their system sounds (but unfortunately few have heard really good sound as defined by Segement 1). This seems to be the most actively growing segment right now. As front projectors come down in price and get better in quality, this segment will continue to grow.      

The 4th segment is the mass market followers. Once a technology hits Best Buy or Circuit City and their "knowledgable" friend has one, they will buy it. This group makes up 95% of the population.

There are probably a few other segments or sub-segments that I have not listed but I think most people will get the idea.  

Julian
www.sedonaskysound.com

[Bill Baker]

"The first segment is the true "audiophile": high quality 2-channel only (about half are into SS amps and SACD and the other half prefer tube amps and phono). This group is not necessarily dieing but doesn't seem like it will get any bigger. "

  Greetings Julian,
  I actually you could be wrong with this one (or maybe I just hope you are). From my view, I see many people, especially the younger generation, becoming more involved in better quality 2-channel audio system. Granted, it is a slow growth but I think the numbers are rising as well as the number of the "older" croud going back to this type of thinking.

  One thing I agree with 100% was your comment on the mass market trend. "Hey, my buddy just picked up a 500 watt system with a huge sub", seems to be what you hear walking through a Circuit City, Best Buy or similar. What the hell, all we can hope for is that they come to a point where their interest in the music heightens to a point where they seek out better ways of reproducing it. There is still time.

[Jason1]

With me being a 19 year old "budding audiophile" I have to say this discusion hits home. It was only a few years ago that a boom box with lots-o-bass  was what I considered hi-fi   Eventualy I was hit by the HT craze, and the need for surround sound. Which led to a couple HTIBs (good thing specs meant a lot to me at this time, as it stopped me from buying bose, which I still thought was the best), and eventually a mid-fi rig (which I still have).

This leads me to where I'm at currently. Finding myself more interested in music then movies or video games. My surround rig is sterile, and fatuiging with music. This leads me to deidicated 2 channel audio. After months of research, and listening to mainstream gear in my price range, I've mad my choices (Bill, hows my order coming?). I'll let you guys know how it goes.

[Danny Richie]

The 32 year old audiophile found a pretty meek definition of the word audiophile.

Here are some I found.

1. A person who exhibits extreme obsessive/compulsive behavior that
happens to be directed at achieving perfect music reproduction, even at the risk of
compromising their personal relationships and financial security.

2. A delusional person who believes he or she can find the "holy grail" of perfect music
reproduction, a condition often manifest by unrelenting searches for new audio equipment
and frequent pronouncements of the type: "If only I had a [INSERT NAME OF AN
OBSCURE OR EXPENSIVE PIECE OF MUSIC REPRODUCTION GEAR HERE]."

3. Any of a class of people who dedicate far more time and money developing a music
reproduction system to capture the essence of a "live" concert, than they spend actually
going to live concerts.

4. Any person who is willing to spend more money to purchase a single "upgrade" AC
power cord for an electronic device than is earned in an entire year by 70% of the other
people in the world.

5. A malcontent who devotes inordinate time visiting audio equipment dealers,
auditioning new audio gear, reading audio magazines, trying seemingly irrational
"tweaks" like demagnetizing CDs, continually adjusting their speaker placement and
changing cables, and scanning audio-related Internet chat rooms looking for other ways
to achieve better music reproduction.

6. A person whose life is characterized by extended periods of dissatisfaction and
apprehension punctuated by occasional periods of euphoria and contentment induced
by sublime music reproduction.

7. You and I. : )

[Bill Baker]

An audiophile?
  In [my] terms, an audiophile is one who spends more time evaluating and anaylzing their gear rather than appreciating and enjoying the music being presented.

  We all go through the phase of tweaking and upgrading but sometimes this takes over and becomes obsession.

  Is this right? Is it wrong? the answer is yes.

  It's what makes the hobby so intersting. We have ALL been there and many of us will always be there. Don't be afraid!!

  Jason: Everything is in the works. Feel free to keep in touch with me on updates.