One aspect that attracted many of us 40+ audionuts that doesn't work today is the geek factor. Audio was high-tech in the 60s and 70s. Now it's laughable compared to game consoles, PC's, HT, or even cell phones.
IMO musicans don't need high fidelity playback. The whole reason for hi-fi is to recreate the experience more fully. If you know what a cello sounds like, you only need a hint of it to imagine the rest. Musican's know what a cello should sound like.
Convenience must play into the formula for marketing success. Tubes, tonearms, and batteries won't sell to first timers, but wireless access, remotes, use of the internet, and iPod connectivity would.
Yes, we're all expected to be constantly multi-tasking. So much so that catching a snipet of high fidelity playback is a distraction from reading, surfing, talking on the phone, etc.
The longer we're inside, the harder it is to have an outside perspective.
Another challenge is product line evolution. Most successful companies start with modest products and build up to more expensive ones. Honda for instance started with a $2000 Civic that cost roughly 1/4 of the average US salary, now a new (and much better) Civic costs 1/2 of the average US salary, and its the cheapest car they offer. As the company expands expectations rise and overhead grows. Not to pick, but as an example Omega started out just a few years ago selling $300 - 800 speakers. Now their speakers are better but range in cost from $650 to 2,000.
Squeeze Box is heading in the right direction. It connects to the internet and the beloved PC. Via the PC an iPod can be interfaced. It's wireless and uses a remote. It's inexpensive and offers a taste of the high-end. They have an active on-line presence. Just add powered speakers (that can be small and still provide a most satisfying sound) for a simple, good quality solution. But that's probably too easy, simple, and removed from "audiophile roots" to interest us old audio farts.
