The heatwave just won’t let up. It’s too hot to go outside, yet even staying indoors makes me feel sluggish. So this morning, my family and I decided to order delivery and wait it out together. But judging by how long it’s taking, the delivery drivers must be struggling in this weather too—they’re nowhere in sight yet! 😅
While waiting, I came across a piece worth revisiting—something obvious, perhaps, but important to reflect on now and then. It’s about “Planned Obsolescence.” In this context, it refers to the trend among many audio brands recently to release new models at an increasingly rapid pace.
When we use a product long enough, there inevitably comes a moment—whether out of boredom or the desire for better sound—when we dream of an upgrade. From a company’s perspective, this cycle of constant replacement is essential; they can only generate revenue if consumers keep buying new gear.
The same dynamic exists in almost every market. Audio is no exception. Many industries are moving in this same, somewhat unnatural direction, churning out “new” products under the convenient excuse of rapid technological progress.
The problem? Dig a little deeper and you’ll often find that these so-called new models aren’t all that different from their predecessors. This is especially noticeable in sectors where genuine, breakthrough innovation is difficult to achieve. And among those categories, audio gear seems to be a prime example.
Take a look at the language manufacturers use on their product pages: words like “pure sound,” “extreme resolution,”and “live presence” appear over and over. These flashy phrases never seem to change—yet the moment a new model is released, the same manufacturer uses them all over again. “Even higher resolution.” “More lifelike presence.” So what does that mean? Were they lying about the previous model?
To be fair, some of this is unavoidable. Sound can’t be quantified in absolute terms, and beyond a certain point, what qualifies as “better” sound is highly subjective. But the reality is, more and more products are being launched as “new” based on tiny changes—slightly different components, a modified chassis, or minor tuning tweaks—while the actual listening experience hardly changes at all. Meanwhile, prices keep climbing, justified by a list of vague reasons. Naturally, that erodes trust in the brand.
The article closes with a few ways to avoid—or at least delay—obsolescence.
First: Stop playing the “planned obsolescence” game. Brands should slow down product cycles and focus on extending the lifespan of their gear, especially in categories where core technology isn’t rapidly evolving—like most analog components.
Second: Adopt modular design. Make products that can be easily upgraded after purchase. But here’s the catch: even if a unit is designed to be upgradeable, it means nothing if the manufacturer doesn’t commit to long-term support—and too often, they don’t. That’s why choosing a trustworthy brand matters.
First: Stop playing the “planned obsolescence” game. Brands should slow down product cycles and focus on extending the lifespan of their gear, especially in categories where core technology isn’t rapidly evolving—like most analog components.
Second: Adopt modular design. Make products that can be easily upgraded after purchase. But here’s the catch: even if a unit is designed to be upgradeable, it means nothing if the manufacturer doesn’t commit to long-term support—and too often, they don’t. That’s why choosing a trustworthy brand matters.
Ultimately, these are guidelines for manufacturers. From a consumer’s perspective, there’s not much we can do to control them. All we can do is make smart, informed choices and avoid becoming easy targets. Gone are the days when brand loyalty guaranteed quality. Today, you need to dig deeper—check the details, compare, and make rational purchases. That’s the only way to keep this hobby enjoyable, stress-free, and sustainable for years to come.
Stay cool this weekend!
Stay cool this weekend!