THIS killed Stereo Hifi! And it's never coming back… ~ Skylabs Audio

[corbe]

THIS killed Stereo Hifi! And it's never coming back…

Skylabs Audio

As the owner of a brick-and-mortar stereo shop, the future of hi-fi is something I think about every day. The truth is, the golden era of stereo equipment (the 70s, 80s, and even into the 90s) is long gone. Back then, almost every home had a killer stereo system, legendary albums dropped weekly, and music brought people together in ways that feel rare today.

In this video, I look back at the golden age of hi-fi, when stereo shops were everywhere, manufacturers supported local dealers, and music was at the center of every get-together. We’ll talk about why stereo systems faded from the mainstream, how technology (smartphones, streaming, earbuds, and endless entertainment options) reshaped the way we listen, and why I don’t think those days are ever coming back.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. I’ll also share why local hi-fi shops still matter, why supporting small businesses is more important than ever, and why there’s still hope when I see young people buying turntables and records.

👉 Topics covered:
The rise of stereo systems in the 70s & 80s
How music fueled the hi-fi boom (Boston, The Eagles, Elton John & more)
Why stereo shops disappeared
Streaming, Bluetooth, & the personal audio revolution
The impact of smartphones, AI music, and overstimulation
Why supporting local audio shops still matters today

🎶 Whether you’re a vinyl collector, a vintage audio fan, or just curious about why hi-fi stereo culture faded, this video is for you.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAdeJqOtGtM