I tend to agree that MTV, or videos changed traditional stereo. The consumer VCR was introduced at about the same time, which drove the convergence of audio and TV (video). I had my first multi-channel A/V system in the mid to late 80s, courtesy of a Lexicon CP-1 (and a Mitsubishi 36" rear projection "big screen" TV-the largest tube TV was only 27" in those days). It took me only a few weeks to learn that the Lexicon was a decent multichannel processor, but not a very good stereo pre-amp. The speaker set up was also not good for stereo. I fed the CP-1 through my stereo pre-amp to maintain the integrity of the 2 channel stereo for awhile, but soon split the multi channel (Dolby Pro-logic) system and stereo into two systems in separate rooms and it's been that way ever since. By the way, this is good thing since it meant more gear with which to play and did allow each system to be optimized for it's specific purpose.
In my opinion, good, or even just decent cans are better than some of the junk to which people were listening until just a few years ago. Not full range audio you can feel, but not bad nevertheless.
The most telling thing I have observed is how young people react when they hear my stereo, or yours I'm sure (ear to ear grins are common). I have since given/sold two channel gear to a number of them. Hopefully more will get a chance to learn what decent audio is really all about. Of course, they still also listen to their cans.
We need to teach and expose our kids and their friends to what they are missing. With vinyl and now even cassettes experiencing a bit of a resurgence, what a great opportunity we have.
Thanks for sharing, Bunni.
