Public panel: The Cult of Gear – Resisting Elitism in Audio Obsession and a Great Sounding Future for All

Join us on the Friday afternoon as we're diving deep into sound culture, together with Making Vinyl.

In a world where passion for high-fidelity sound often often drifts into obsession, we dare to ask the hard questions: Has the pursuit of perfect audio become a gatekept religion? This compelling panel brings together HiFi manufacturers, trade fair organizers, designers, critics, and grassroots enthusiasts to challenge the growing elitism in the audiophile world.

From showroom floors to living room systems, the discussion will unpack how price tags, prestige, and perfectionism can overshadow the simple joy of listening. Can we build a more inclusive sound culture - one that values accessibility as much as accuracy? Emotionally charged and critically grounded, this conversation will explore how to democratize great sound, challenge the myth of “more expensive equals better,” and reimagine a future where sonic joy in listening to vinyl belongs to everyone. Emotion meets insight in a raw, resonant conversation that goes beyond the gear to the soul of listening.

Speakers: Michael Fremer (Tracking Angle), Adrian Krupowicz (Unitra), Edward Forth (Audio Technica) + more TBA.
This panel will be open to the public and is a cooperation with Making Vinyl. Everyone interested is welcome to join and attend the panel: industry representatives, music lovers, collectors, attendees of the Haarlem Vinyl Festival - simply everyone interested in the topic.

Get your Haarlem Vinyl Festival Weekend Pass, Vinyl Culture or Day ticket here.

Photo credits: Minimal Collective