For decades, Bangladesh has been home to a devoted group of people passionate about high-fidelity sound reproduction. The pandemic, as observed by many, brought a renewed interest in hobbies like audiophilia. Confined to home, many turned to music as a source of solace, sparking a surge in demand for high-quality audio systems.

While the passion has recently garnered increased attention and broader adoption, thanks to the interconnectedness afforded by the Internet, its roots here in the country run deep with enthusiasts cherishing both modern advancements and vintage audio equipment.

"Audiophilia is not a novel pursuit but I think the Covid-19 was a turning point," said Sujan Khan, an audiophile and a private reseller of audio gear. "I met new clients during that time, and many of them have stayed passionate about the hobby to this day."

Music lovers of the city have sought to experience recordings in their purest forms, investing in equipment that delivers superior sound quality. Due to this interest, old audio equipment has been preserved and appreciated, and strangely, things like speakers, amplifiers, and LPs have become family heirlooms! In many Bangladeshi households, a vintage turntable or amplifier is not just a piece of machinery -- it's a treasure trove of memories.

Najmul Islam, 44, an entrepreneur shared his experience.

"Our family has always valued music. My father's vintage Sony amplifier and bookshelf speakers, which he purchased in the 1970s, still hold a place of pride in our living room. It's more than just equipment; it's a piece of our family's history. My father, himself, got into the hobby with my grandfather's old gramophone, which we still own in our ancestral home!"

THE COST OF HIGH-FIDELITY IN DHAKA

The economic realities in Bangladesh present unique challenges for audiophiles. Import duties can push prices significantly higher, making a USD 500 speaker, amplifier, or headphone nearly double or triple in cost. Despite this, enthusiasts often find creative ways to thrive. While high-end audio equipment can represent a significant investment, the perception of audiophilia as an elitist hobby is gradually changing.

Numerous local companies and online forums have emerged, providing a variety of goods and creating a welcoming atmosphere for both novice and experienced sound enthusiasts. Retailers offer a wide range of audio equipment to suit different tastes and price ranges, including affordable Chinese products, second-hand vintage equipment, and DIY setups.

Tanvir Ahmed, a banker, who recently joined the ranks of the city's audiophiles, revealed, "My exposure to the hobby was an equal mix of inexplicable joy and dejection. While I loved how my favourite tunes were coming to life, the price to entry crushed any desire I had to get into the hobby, as the equipment I heard costs as much as some people pay for a family car!

"However, a friend and fellow audiophile helped pick and choose components that neither broke the bank nor sounded any less great, and I finally had a system I was satisfied with. It did not even cost a fraction of that original system I tried."

COMMUNITY AND ACCESSIBILITY

Expanding on the growth of online platforms, the Internet, more specifically forums and social media, has played a pivotal role in making audiophilia more accessible to people. Facebook groups such as "High-End Audio Bangladesh" and "Head-Fi.org.bd" serve as hubs for enthusiasts to share experiences, advice, and recommendations, as well as sell/exchange audio gear.

The accessibility of this hobby is further enhanced by local events. A group of like-minded people called "Audiophile Friends", for example, recently celebrated Record Store Day in Dhaka, presenting vinyl records' warm, rich tones to new audiences.

Photo: Toazzem Hossain

Events like these emphasise the social component of audiophilia and show that a love of high-quality audio is not limited by one's financial situation.

"Listening sessions are the heart of such gatherings," shared Najmul Islam. "It's not just about the gear; it's about the shared joy of experiencing music in its truest form."

Photo: LS Archive/ Sazzad Ibne Sayed

MAKING AUDIOPHILIA ACCESSIBLE

For those interested in exploring this hobby, several strategies can make the journey more approachable. Exploring second-hand markets can uncover vintage audio gear that offers excellent sound quality and a nostalgic sound signature that's hard to reproduce. Keep in mind, however, that as these are used, and old, so they will require maintenance, and can go wrong sometimes.

"Engaging with online groups, and maybe even attending local events, can provide valuable insights, support, and opportunities to experience different setups before making purchases," said Islam. "Begin with entry-level equipment and gradually upgrade as your appreciation and understanding of high-fidelity sound deepen -- and as you can afford it."

The first audio system you own does not need to be perfect. The magic is in discovering what you love and evolving. For the technically inclined, building or modifying equipment can also be a cost-effective way to achieve high-quality sound, and there are plenty of outlets that can already help with such.

While audiophilia can sometimes involve significant investment, it is not exclusively a luxury pursuit. Due to the inventiveness of the community, the changing market, and the increasing availability of new budget-oriented products, Dhaka's audiophile community is drawing in new fans. The quest for pure sound transcends barriers, be it through contemporary equipment or treasured hand-me-downs, demonstrating that music in its purest form is for everybody.