Okay, I am 55, and will be 56 in just a few months, although at times I feel like I am pushing 18. That's a good thing. Plus, according to my cardiologist (yes, I am one of those fortunate enough to be on a first name basis with a cardiologist [The Most Wonderful Dr. Cynthia Warner at Evergreen Medical Center]), I am as fit as "an active 28 year old". So there!
You CAN turn the clock back if you work at it!
Having said that, I, too, have some concerns about the younger generation not appreciating all of the benefits of good audio. I have three sons, ages 20 to 25. My oldest son, although an appreciator of good audio, mainly deals with computer-based digital sources and a less than stellar system at home. At night he plays lead guitar in a very good garage band, so maybe he gets enough there and does not need more at home. Who am I to judge? My middle son has no significant interest in music at all as far as I can tell. However, my youngest son seems to have a bit of a sweet spot for good audio and I have been encouraging him to develop this as he sees fit - whether it be by the old two channel means that I grew up with and still love, or by some other means. For those of you longing for the old days, he and his college roommates live in an apartment with a two channel system that I put together for him WITH A TURNTABLE THAT ONE OF HIS ROOMMATES PROVIDED! I set him up with a Sherwood receiver and two pairs of speakers (EPI 100s in custom enclosures and a pair of Speakerlab SA-500s), a DIY sub (the Triska from Parts Express - not necessary with the SL-500s) and he and his roommates supply the digital music sources. What else can I do? They seem to enjoy it.
As far as I am concerned, I am open to any music source that meets my needs. Here's the deal: I am heavily invested in plain old stereo, both in terms of hardware and music sources. I Still Have Two Kids In College, so my options in terms of investing in new music sources is limited (no problem with the playback). When something comes along that is better than what I have (LP, CD, and cassette tape - yes, GASP, cassette tape) I will seriously consider it, but I have not run across that yet given my current situation. But I am open to anything. That's what got me started in this whole audio thing in the first place.
I still have one of the original Sony Walkmen (all metal)... I was on the cutting edge in my day as far as portability was concerned:scratch2:
GREAT thread, by the way! I have really, really enjoyed reading about others' situations regarding our love of music.