September 2004

Keep On Truckin
Article By Steven R. Rochlin
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  Over the years i have been keeping a close eye on not only the high-end audio, but also other luxury good industries. Within the past six months there appears to be a higher demand for quality products. The lackluster 'Home Theater In A Box' is no longer fooling consumers. With high definition TV and higher resolution audio formats now reaching homes within America, the desire for quality over quantity appears to be experiencing a healthy growth. If there were ever a time for high-end audio manufacturers to band together and promote the benefits of better music reproduction, right now would be it!

Anyone following the sports car or mechanical watch sector realizes that their customers are looking for higher quality. This is not simply limited to 'value for the dollar,' but also in nearly 'cost no object' items. In fact the vintage industry is also experiencing staggering growth! As an example, during my Best Of The Portables For The Music Lover On The Go! article in July 2003 (seen here) i was able to purchase a Sony D-25 (circa 1989) for $40. This same model now appears to command $150 during a recent eBay auction!

Those of us within high-end audio professionally for decades remember the early halcyon years, the Big 80's, the downfall of the Asian market, the Great Depression after 9/11. Today, in the last half of 2004, we are experiencing strong growth. This is not just from the usual suspects either. Today's consumer is willing to take the time to find out what is truly head and shoulder above the mainstream. Perhaps some of this is due to various Internet resources combined with the desire for cherishing the precious moments we have to relax?

No matter what may be the cause, i am amazed that no one is coming forward to promote our industry to the public. Yes i have spilled much cyber ink on this subject in previous editorials, yet there appears top be no better time that now! The UK has the British Audio Journal (BAJ), yet we here in America have... nothing. Nan, zilch, not even a small gathering of ten United States manufactures trying to make a go at educating the public in unison. Well, it is time for a change. We either can Keep on truckin, or truly move forward. The choice is ultimately yours.

If not me, then who?
If not now, then when?

If you are a high-end audio manufacturer within the Unites States and desire joining a mutually beneficial organization that promotes the benefits of high-end audio, please send me e-mail by clicking here. United States manufacturers should work together to inform and educate consumers. Naturally there will be benefits to consumers who purchase items from organization members, so color it a win-win situation for all involved. In the end what really matters is that you....

Enjoy the Music (Triumph "Fight The Good Fight"),

Steven R. Rochlin

 

"The days grow shorter and the nights are getting long
Feels like we're running out of time
Every day it seems much harder tellin' right from wrong
You got to read between the lines

Don't get discouraged, don't be afraid
We can make it through another day
Make it worth the price we pay 

The Good Book says it's better to give than to receive
I do my best to do my part
Nothin' in my pockets, I got nothin' up my sleeve
I keep my magic in my heart

Keep up your spirit, keep up your faith, baby
I am counting on you
You know what you've got to do

Fight the good fight every moment
Every minute every day
Fight the good fight every moment
It's your only way

All your life you've been waiting for your chance
Where you'll fit into the plan
But you're the master of your own destiny
So give and take the best that you can...

Nothing is easy, nothing good is free
But I can tell you where to start
Take a look inside your heart
There's an answer in your heart

Fight the good fight every moment
Every minute every day
Fight the good fight every moment
Make it worth the price we pay

Every moment of your lifetime
Every minute every day
Fight the good fight every moment
Make it worth the price we pay"