I think the independent audio industry as we know it today is largely gone!
Augmented reality of all sorts will incorporate all types of human sensoric inputs where sound will be an integral part.
All sensory stimuli will be controlled by embedded computers and tailored to your personal preferences and environment
Sound quality and predictability will be better – but not a stand-alone utility.

Will we still have audiophiles in 2030 – Yes & No – they will mostly be sensophiles.

In 2030 Audiophiles will be as hip as the few people still do morse code on HF!
But hey – I might be one of them!

I really only officially started my hifi journey about a year ago after literally years of research and playing a game of double-dutch (if you will) with my entry or eventual purchase of some gear. Started off with headphones because they seemed to be the best bang for my buck as far as what it could get out of my listening experience. Then I bought an amp that was really a speaker amp but I got a mod where I could put a headphone output on it (sweet). So I then got some desktop speakers and a good source. Most of my listening has been with CD’s over the years so I figured I’d get a CD player (naturally) but was careful to get one that had a digital input so I could start to download hi-rez music files and hear how I liked them. I had a vintage turntable that had been collecting dust for years that I “resurrected” and also got a nice phono stage to pair it with..

I tried to get components that had some sort of flexibility like the CD player that has the digital input or the amplifier that has a headphone output. These aspects make me feel like they will help tide me over as I inevitably watch the latest and (supposed) greatest get announced every few months or so. My amp has a lifetime warranty which is super rare and this gives me a feeling of security. Also if there are any improvements made to their product line, many of the improvements are made available to owners. It helps you build a relationship with a company. I like that. There are some companies out there that offer trade in programs for when you want to step-up to a better higher priced model they offer, but don’t want to loose money by selling what you have already to fund the purchase. I WISH more companies would offer something like this. Some of the biggest and fastest changes are happening (as I think you mentioned) in the computer audio world and I feel that this is a particular place that would be smart to invest in if a company offers trade in programs or the ability to send your gear to them for upgrades should you feel the need to. The analogue world does seem pretty stable in regards to innovation, it’s really this digital side that’s moving like crazy. It is exciting.

I thing one of the best things about a technology advancing quickly, and specifically the digital music playback realm, is that we are seeing a MUCH wider gamut of prices and products that are available. Now someone who has only $100 or even $50 can find a DAC to pair with their computer or digital player. I think this is pretty great 🙂